Local favourite Kei Nishikori managed to come from a set down to claim a 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory over Marin Cilic to reach the semi-finals of the Japan Open on Friday.

Cilic was forced to battle his way through his second service game after Nishikori created three break points, but the 25-year-old was unable to convert any of them.

After holding serve, the momentum was with Cilic, who broke to go 4-2 up and managed to keep hold of his advantage as he took a one-set lead in Tokyo.

It was difficult to separate the two competitors in the second set, with just one break point created in nine games, but Nishikori was unable to convert it and games continued to go with serve.

The Japanese player eventually prevented the set from going into a tie-break as he snatched it 7-5 and forced the contest into a decider.

Both players showed intent to wrap up the clash, but it was Nishikori who broke to take a 3-1 lead, and he was able to keep hold of his advantage to win the set and the match.