Alexandr Dolgopolov’s surprise run at the Argentina Open has has concluded with a fairytale 7-6(4), 6-4, win over top seed Kei Nishikori in the final.
The Ukrainian was playing in his first ATP final since 2014 and entered Buenos Aires lacking form and consistency. Prior to this week, Dolgopolov hasn’t won back-to-back matches in a main draw since the Nottingham Open in June.
Despite the odds being stacked against him, the aggressive display of the 28-year-old allowed him to dominate the critical moments of the match against Nishikori, who he has previously lost to on five occasions. Producing a 84% winning rate behind his first serve, Dolgopolov saved a trio of break points during the opening set before clinching the tiebreaker on his second set point opportunity.
A similar trend developed in the second set with Nishikori failing to find a way to break his opponent’s serve. The inability placed Dolgopolov in a prime situation to clinch his first ATP title since 2012. A sole break in the sixth game by the unseeded player was enough as he held his nerve to serve that match out.
“I think you can call it a perfect week,” said Dolgopolov. “I didn’t lose a set and beat Kei for the first time. The fans were really supporting me and I felt very welcome here.”
Sunday’s triumph hands Dolgopolov his first ATP 500 title and his first on the clay since the 2011 Croatia Open. He achieved the milestone without dropping a set throughout the tournament, previously knocking out seeds Pablo Cuevas and Pablo Carreno Busta on route.
Runner-up Nishikori has now suffered his sixth consecutive loss in tournament finals. Reflecting upon his latest defeat, the world No.5 leaves Argentina satisfied with his performance at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
“I’m glad to be here in the final. Unfortunately I lost today, but Alex played better than me,” said Nishikori. “I didn’t play badly, so hopefully I can keep up this level.”
Both Nishikori and Dolgopolov will travel to Brazil and to play in the Rio Open. The world No.5 will be bidding to win his first title on the clay since the 2015 Barcelona Open.
