Japan's Yuichi Sugita came from behind Thursday to beat Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-7(0), 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the men's singles quarterfinals at the Western & Southern Open.

It is the first time for Sugita, who claimed his maiden ATP World Tour title at the Antalya Open in July, to secure a last-eight berth in the elite Masters 1000 level, the third-highest tier after the four Grand Slam tournaments and ATP World Tour Finals.

(Getty/Kyodo)

The 28-year-old Sugita, currently 46th in the world rankings, is carrying the weight of the country's expectations after compatriot and world No. 9 Kei Nishikori withdrew from the hardcourt tournament due to a torn wrist tendon which will keep him out for the season.

"I want to win against big names and top-10 players," Sugita said.

Sugita will meet world No. 11 and seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in his next match on Friday.