Wawrinka advances into BNP Paribas Open fourth round

Third seed romped past Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-3 to set up meeting with Japan’s Nishioka

LONDON: Stan Wawrinka breezed into the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open on Monday and saw another seed removed from his path to the final when lucky loser Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan turned his match against Tomas Berdych upside down.

The Swiss third seed romped past Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-3 and will next face Nishioki rather than Berdych after the 21-year-old Japanese overcame a 6-1 5-2 deficit for a stunning 1-6 7-6(5) 6-4 win over the 13th seeded Czech.

The top half of the draw has already lost world number one Andy Murray and offers rather smoother sailing than a bottom half, which features multiple grand slam winners Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

Wawrinka needed just 78 minutes to improve to his career record against Germany's Kohlschreiber to 5-0, whipping a trademark backhand winner down the line to end the third round contest at Indian Wells.

"I was serving well," the 31-year-old said. "I think I'm moving better and better, and it's all positive so far. I'm feeling good in my body, so that's the most important."

Nishioka, who gave Nadal a run for his money in Acapulco at the start of the month, surprised even himself with his victory over Berdych.

"I tried to do my best, but today I couldn't figure out how could I beat Berdych," Nishioka said. "I tried to find a way, and then I think he give me a little bit of a chance. My body was feeling like I cannot move that much, but I just stayed focused and tried to fight. And then I found a way."