David Goffin overcame the demons of last year as he won his maiden Rakuten Japan Open with a 6-3 7-5 win over Adrian Mannarino.
Heading into the contest Goffin was looking to win back to back ATP World Tour titles after his triumph in Shenzhen last week. He was also looking to avoid the same fate he received last year when he came to Tokyo, when he lost to Nick Kyrgios in the final. While his French opponent was looking to use his good run of form to win his first ever ATP World Tour title.
In the early exchanges the Belgian used his accurate serving to dictate Mannarino around the court as the Frenchman’s movement was tested on a number of occasions. While the World number 31 was hoping to use his unique shot making abilities to catch Goffin off-guard. However it was Goffin who broke serve first as he painted the lines with some simply magnificent backhands that even Mannarino admired.
The Tokyo crowd were on their feet as he raced into a 4-1 lead in the first set. The Frenchman had served comfortably after he lost that break of serve however he was struggling to break down the Belgian. Goffin sealed the first set 6-3 in 34 minutes.
The second set needed a change in tactics from Mannarino as he wasn’t getting any success from his current tactics against Goffin. So he decided to bring the Belgian to the net and in the sixth game he earned his rewards as he broke for a 4-2 lead. If there is one weakness in the Belgian’s game it’s his play at the net and Mannarino exposed him with several passing shots. However the world number 11 recomposed to earn the break back and dictate play from his return.
This match was now about who could take their opportunities and that was due to Mannarino’s unique game style and his high percentage play that he was now implementing. Eventually it was the Belgian who took his opportunities, with some crafty play he grabbed the break for a 6-5 lead. Goffin sealed victory to win his maiden ATP 500 title and back to back ATP World Tour titles.
After last year’s loss it was good for Goffin to get rid of his demons and focus on the type of tennis he was playing in the clay court season as he looks to book his spot at the Nitto ATP finals in London. The Belgian will now move to eighth on the race to London and will be in confident mood heading into the Shanghai Rolex Masters next week.
