Japan failed to reach the quarterfinals in the World Group first-round tie against Canada, despite a five-set triumph by ace Kei Nishikori against world class rival Milos Raonic on Sunday.
Nishikori prevailed 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 over the hard-hitting Raonic to even the tie at 2-2 before Vasek Pospisil downed Go Soeda 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, to orchestrate a 3-2 win over the visitors in Vancouver.
Japan failed to book its second consecutive quarterfinal berth after beating the Canadians last year.