Niki came close to stealing a set from Myneni in the semifinals .
The former Alabama Crimson Tide tennis standout denied his Japanese opponent , winning 6 - 4 , 7 - 6 ( 4 ) for his ticket to the finals .
Niki came close to stealing a set from Myneni in the semifinals , but the former Alabama Crimson Tide tennis standout denied his Japanese opponent , winning 6 - 4 , 7 - 6 ( 4 ) for his ticket to the finals .