Kei Nishikori reaches the Washington Open final after beating Marin Čilić 3-6 6-1 6-4.

Kei Nishikori reached the Washington Open final after beating Croatian Marin Čilić 3-6 6-1 6-4 in a rematch of last year's US Open final.

Čilić defeated Nishikori in straight sets just under a year ago but the Japanese star finally secured a measure of revenge.

The world number five is seeking his 10th career title after crowns at Memphis and Barcelona this year but was broken in the second game of the match and Čilić jumped ahead 3-0 in the first 10 minutes.

The world number eight then went on to take the first set in 35 minutes.

In the second Nishikori survived a break point to move 5-0 up before levelling the match.

The 25-year-old broke Čilić to open the final set.

And even though a double-fault allowed Čilić to level at 4-4, another break and a hold of serve allowed Nishikori to seal victory.

Sunday's showdown will pit the Asian No. 1 against American John Isner.