15/30/40 GAME SET MATCH...PALONG PINOY

Kei Nishikori’s 2008 US Open has been a truly memorable experience. Heading into this week, the 18-year-old from Japan had never before won a Grand Slam match. A few days later, he was in the third round against world No. 4 David Ferrer.

When he looks backs at this tournament down the road, Nishikori will always recall his maiden victory at a Slam against Juan Monaco. And he might even remember that he won his second-round match because his opponent was forced to retire. But surely, he’ll never forget his thrilling five-set win over Ferrer – 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-5 – under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium.