Third straight Memphis trophy for Nishikori
Japanese tennis star downs South African Anderson in final
CONFIDENCE BOOST: This year, Nishikori hadn't made it to a final until this week, but a return to Memphis proved the tonic he needed to lift his spirits. PHOTO: FILE
MEMPHIS:
Kei Nishikori extended his Memphis Open reign late Sunday, defeating Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 to win his third straight title at the ATP hardcourt tournament.
The top-seeded Japanese captured his eighth ATP crown, and his first since he won in Tokyo in October. That was one of two titles Nishikori captured late last year after a breakthrough run to the final of the US Open.
"It feels great," said Nishikori, who became the first man to win three straight titles at Memphis since the tournament began in 1975. "I think I'm going to move here soon."
His win over the second-seeded Anderson, in 75 minutes, was his most complete performance of the week, and his first match of the tournament in which he captured the opening set.
"I returned really well," said Nishikori. "I felt a lot of confidence and played a lot of deep balls to put pressure on him."
Anderson, the world number 15 who received a wild card into the tournament, fired 12 aces, but was broken three times as he endured his sixth straight ATP finals defeat.
His only titles came at the 2011 South African Open and in 2012 at Delray Beach, Florida, where he now resides.
"He [Nishikori] played a really solid match," said Anderson. "I have to give credit to him. I had little opportunities but I just played a few loose games. He came up with the good shots when it mattered."
For his third Memphis Open title, Nishikori was awarded a trophy of a one-of-a-kind Gibson electric guitar. "I love it," he said. "I've never done before, guitar, but I think I will have to get a lesson."
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Kei Nishikori extended his Memphis Open reign late Sunday, defeating Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-4 to win his third straight title at the ATP hardcourt tournament.
The top-seeded Japanese captured his eighth ATP crown, and his first since he won in Tokyo in October. That was one of two titles Nishikori captured late last year after a breakthrough run to the final of the US Open.
"It feels great," said Nishikori, who became the first man to win three straight titles at Memphis since the tournament began in 1975. "I think I'm going to move here soon."
His win over the second-seeded Anderson, in 75 minutes, was his most complete performance of the week, and his first match of the tournament in which he captured the opening set.
"I returned really well," said Nishikori. "I felt a lot of confidence and played a lot of deep balls to put pressure on him."
Anderson, the world number 15 who received a wild card into the tournament, fired 12 aces, but was broken three times as he endured his sixth straight ATP finals defeat.
His only titles came at the 2011 South African Open and in 2012 at Delray Beach, Florida, where he now resides.
"He [Nishikori] played a really solid match," said Anderson. "I have to give credit to him. I had little opportunities but I just played a few loose games. He came up with the good shots when it mattered."
For his third Memphis Open title, Nishikori was awarded a trophy of a one-of-a-kind Gibson electric guitar. "I love it," he said. "I've never done before, guitar, but I think I will have to get a lesson."
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.