Kei Nishikori outlasts Andy Murray to advance to US Open semis

Andy Murray’s stellar summer came to an untimely end Wednesday, as Kei Nishikori outlasted the world No. 2 in a five-set US Open quarterfinal showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Murray looked every bit the man to beat coming into New York, and comfortably took the first set 6-1, but a series of distractions, including an inexplicable gong noise, rain and a persistent butterfly, took him off his game and Nishikori seized the opportunity with a 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 win.

Nishikori picked up his level following a rain delay midway through the second set, dazzling the New York crowd with an array of stunning drop shots and perfectly placed winners.

Nishikori will advance to the semifinals, hoping to improve upon his 2014 runner-up finish.

Murray, meanwhile, will have to settle with his second Wimbledon title and an Olympic gold medal.