After settling for runner-up nine consecutive times on the tour, Kei Nishikori has finally returned back to the winner’s circle in men’s tennis.
The former US Open finalist withstood eight aces from an erratic Daniil Medvedev to prevail 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, at the Brisbane International in what was a roller-coaster encounter. Avenging his loss to the 22-year-old at the Japan Open last October. Nishikori won just 11 points more than Medvedev in the entire match. Converting five out of 15 break point opportunities and hitting 20 winners to 30 unforced errors.
“I am really happy that I have finally won this title.” Nishikori said afterwards. “I’ve played this tournament seven or eight times before. Thank you (the crowd) for your support today.”
“Congratulations to Daniil today. I lost to him in the (Japan Open) final last year. It’s lovely to have revenge.” He added.
Nishikori was forced to come from behind at the start of the match after going down 0-3, before claiming five consecutive games to establish his dominance. Racing to a 6-4 lead, the Japanese player closed it out with a love service game that concluded with a breathtaking backhand winner. Drawing cheers from the crowd.
Continuing to apply the pressure onto fourth seed Medvedev, Nishikori looked to be on course for a straightforward victory. However, his Russian opponent had other thoughts. After saving a total of eight break points during set number two, Medvedev issued Nishikori with a taste of his own medicine. Breaking midway with the help of a backhand winner that painted the line on route to forcing the match into a decider.
In recent times, Nishikori has experienced a torrid time when it came to playing finals on the ATP World Tour. Losing his past nine with eight of those being in straight sets. Nevertheless, this time round fortune was on his side. A weary Medvedev imploded on his serve to enable Nishikori to roar towards the title. Nishikori close the match out in clinical fashion with a love service game. Sealing the win with a cross-court backhand winner.
“Thank you to my team. They have been really supportive. I was injured last year and I’m happy to be healthy and back playing in this tournament again.” Said Nishikori.
“Hopefully I can come back next year and win the title again.”
Nishikori is the first Asian player – man or woman – to win the Brisbane International. It is also the first time he has won an ATP trophy (excluding Challengers) since the Memphis Open back in February 2016.
The 29-year-old exits Brisbane with 250 ATP Ranking points and $90,990 in prize money.
