TENNIS – Rafael Nadal successfully defended his Mutua Madrid Open title rallying from a set and a break down to beat Kei Nishikori 2-6 6-4 3-0 after the Japanese player was forced to withdraw from the match with a back injury during the decisive set. Diego Sampaolo
Interviews & results of the Mutua Madrid Open
With today’s title Nadal clinched his fourth Madrid title after his triumphs in 2005, 2010 and 2013 and his third win of the year after Doha and Rio de Janeiro. Nadal also collected the 27th Master 1000 win of his career 63th title of his career tying Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras on the all-time title ranking. He is within two wins of equalling Guillermo Vilas all.time record of 46 titles on clay.
Nadal won the first clay of the European clay season after two consecutive quarter final defeats in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona. Nishikori’s winning streak of 14 consecutive wins came to an end but the Japanese made history as he has become the first ever Japanese player to reach the top 10 in the ATP Ranking.
It is difficult to say what would have happened if Nishikori had not suffered from a back injury in the crucial part of the match but what is certain is that the Japanese star played a fantastic first set in which he dominated with a clear 6.2. Nadal held serve in the first game to love to take a 1-0 lead. Nishikori saved a break point to draw level to 1-1. Nishikori earned two break points at 40-15 when Nadal made two forehand errors and a double fault. Nadal managed to save the first break point but Nishikori converted the second for 2-1 with a backhand smash at the net after a spectacular rally.
Nishikori got a second break for 4-1 and pulled away to 5-1 after just 27 minutes. Nishikori earned three set points at 5-2 40-0. Nadal saved the first set point but Nishikori converted the second with an ace to clinch the first set after 36 minutes .
Nishikori was on fire at the start of the second set when he got his third break of the match winning the game to love. Nishikori rallied from 0-40 to hold serve in the second game to go up 2-0.
Nishikori seemed to dictate the match from the baseline sending passing shots with his forehand and backhand. He was a break up and was serving at 4-3 but unfortunately the Florida-based Japanese player suffered from back pain after a long rally at 15-30 and needed a medical time-out.
The injury hampered Nishikori who dropped serve and Nadal sealed the win in the second set with a backhand beyond the baseline to force the third set.
Nishikori tried to continue at the start of the third set but he was forced to withdraw at 0-3 down. The injury has forced to pull out of the Rome Master 1000.
“Unfortunately I was hurting and I tried to fight but Rafa was too good today, so congratulations to him. It has been a great few weeks for me in Spain. I won in Barcelona and now reached the final in Madrid, so it’s becoming like a second home for me. There is a lot of confidence I get from the tournament by beating Ferrer in three sets and playing well in the final. It’s going to be very exciting at the Roland Garros because I have never felt like that on clay. I am very confident of whatever I hit going for winners. I can hit from either side, forehand and backhand, so It’s a very good feeling that I have on clay right now”, said Nishikori.
It was the end of Nishikori’s dream to win his first ever Master 1000 tournament but he proved to be a tough opponent for Nadal and he will have other chances in the future. He has fulfilled his dream to become the first Japanese player to reach the top-10. His next step will be to become the first Japanese player to qualify for the ATP World Finals in London at the end of the year
Nadal improved his match record against Nishikori to 7-0. Nishikori managed to win just two of 19 sets. This year Nadal won a very tough match against Nishikori in the fourth round of the Australian Open with the scoreline of 7-6 7-5 7-6
“Winning at home is always more special than winning anywhere. Having the chance to play in front of your home crowd is unforgettable for me. This city gives me a lot. This is a very important win for me but I am very sorry for Nishikori. He is an unbelievable player who will fight to be in London. I am sure of that. I really hope that the injury is not too bad and he will be able to play at the Roland Garros”, said Nadal
