Tomas Berdych has claimed a spot in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters after defeating Kei Nishikori 2-6 6-2 6-4 in a tough third-round battle.
The Japanese 22-year-old dominated the early stages of the third-round contest by storming to a 6-2 win in the first set, courtesy of a number of powerful and precise shots on the clay court.
The second set was not as simple for the number 12 seed as Berdych managed to keep composed and hold his serve, with neither opponent able to force a breakthrough in the early games.
World number seven Berdych was the first to snatch the break of serve in the second set but Nishikori managed to eventually break back, keeping the contest tight.
The Czech pro forced through the breakthrough, which allowed him to push forward and clinch victory.
Berdych will face Andy Murray in the quarter-finals after the Scotsman's opponent Julien Benneteau retired due to a wrist and ankle injury suffered by the Frenchman.
