Jamie Baker
Former GB Davis Cup player on BBC Two

"Nishikori can get the case of the double faults, it needs to be close enough in the scoreboard though."

Nishikori cruises through the opening game of the set. Now it's over to Evans - can he hit back in this set?

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"Andy Murray crushed the Japanese number two earlier today and at the moment Kei Nishikori is returning the favour to our number two."

A really well-crafted point from  Nihsikori finishes with him bludgeoning an overhead into the open court. But Evans isn't done here - he saves a fourth set point with a one-two punch of a serve and forehand. 

Evans dumps it in the net. Set point five. Can he do it this time? No, Nishikori nets! This game is a big psychological prize now.

This time it's Evans' turn to set up game point, but Nishikori gets back to deuce with a flat backhand winner down the line. Evans' second serve is getting the treatment here - another one disappears past him. Set point number six, and this time Nishikori curls a passing winner past Evans.

Image source, Reuters

So, a must-hold for Evans. That's an extraordinary shot from Nishikori, leaping into a double-handed backhand, but Evans responds well, caressing a lovely single-hander into the corner. However, he can do nothing about a Nishikori drop shot and suddenly he's staring at a set point. Saved with a big first serve. Gutsy.

But Nishikori's next return is on the money and Evo can only steer it into the tramlines. Another set point, another big serve. Nishikori with a gorgeous little inside-out drop shot to set up his third set point. Again he misses off the return...

Casual from Nishikori, as Evans floats up a defensive lob and he bats it back into the open court as if he was playing down the municipal courts. An easy hold.

Jamie Baker
Former GB Davis Cup player on BBC Two

"It does seem clear there is not going to be any easy holds. Neither player’s serve is the strongest part of their game."

Choppy waters for Evans as he chucks in a double fault at 15-15. And a floaty backhand slice just drifts over the baseline to bring up two break points for Nishikori. He only needs one - another double fault gifts Nishikori the game. Racket, meet floor.

Image source, Getty Images

Jamie Baker
Former GB Davis Cup player on BBC Two

"One thing is notable from Dan’s body language is there is belief there. He definitely believes."

Evans isn't going to lie down though - a brilliant point sees him pass Nishikori at the net to bring up three break points. Can he take them?

Point one: Evans goes long. Point two: Nishikori forces Evans wide and cleans up with a volley into the open court. Third time lucky? Yes! Brilliant from Evans, cracking a forehand right into the corner and Nishikori can't get it back. What a response!

Image source, Getty Images

Evans' second serve is looking solid as a rock so far - a kicking effort out wide finds the edge of the service box and forces Nishikori to balloon a return long. But then Nishikori effortlessly changes the pace on his forehand side Evans is like a man trying to dig out a thunderbolt with a garden spade. Break point, and Nishikori shows no mercy when he fires straight at Evans when he comes into net. First blood to the Japanese.

Jamie Baker
Former GB Davis Cup player on BBC Two

"I am a little worried about the slight lack of intent on Nishikori's second serve. I think he has to go after it."

Cheers from the crowd as Evans cracks a passing shot past Nishikori, but they are misplaced - it missed the sideline by a whisker. That makes it 30-0, and Evans doesn't get a sniff - a forehand error from Evans closes the game.

Image source, Getty Images

That was nearly brilliant from Nishikori - on the stretch, reaching almost behind himself, he curls an attempted passing shot just into the tramlines. But then a really good point from Evans - hanging in there, trading confidently with Nishikori from the back of the court and forcing Nishikori to go long. And then Evo finishes it with an ace down the T. Settling in nicely.

No sign of any jitters from Nishikori against his one-time nemesis. He fires a clean winner past Evans to complete a hold to love.

Image source, Reuters

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"Outside of Djokovic and Murray, I think Nishikori is up there and nearly above them in terms of movement. When he is fully fit he is absolutely the quickest thing out there."

A nervy start from Evans - as he throws in an immediate double fault. A superb backhand winner from Nishikori finishes a lengthy rally with brutal precision, and it's deuce. The world number six wafts a forehand return narrowly wide, and a good second serve from Evans gets him out of trouble. A steady start from the Brit.

"What do you think about Birmingham?" Kei Nishikori is asked by BBC Sport's Russell Fuller.

"Good, but I wouldn't go out much," he says. Harsh. You don't know how much you love the Birmingham nightlife until you've tried it, Kei.

Image source, PA

John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC Two

"Dan Evans embraces Davis Cup and he has grown with this competition. I think he loves this atmosphere and I think he would love it if it came to the fifth match as well. 

"He plays above himself in the Davis Cup and that’s what you want, someone who embraces the situation and doesn’t get nervous."

The players are introduced to thunderous applause: first world number six Kei Nishikori, and then, to the strains of Deacon Blue's 'Real Gone Kid', the local lad Dan Evans. He looks up for this - a broad smile on his face.

Image source, PA