Washington: Japan's Kei Nishikori avenged his loss to Marin Cilic in last year's US Open final, defeating the Croatian 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 Saturday to reach the ATP and WTA Washington Open final.


Kei Nishikori returns to Marin Cilic. Pic/AFP

The 25-year-old Asian number one rallied to oust the reigning US Open champion and advanced to Sunday's title match against US eighth seed John Isner, who fired 31 aces and saved three match points to edge American Steve Johnson 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (11/9).