• ATP Tour

Nishikori makes history in Tokyo

ESPN staff
October 7, 2012
Kei Nishikori thrilled the Japanese crowd with victory on home soil © PA Photos
Enlarge

Kei Nishikori became the first home winner of the Japan Open on Sunday after defeating Milos Raonic in Tokyo.

Nishikori, who had ousted second seed Tomas Berdych en route to the final, produced some magical tennis as he claimed a 7-6(5) 3-6 6-0 victory to end a four-year title drought.

After edging the opening set on a tiebreaker, the Japanese No. 1 was pegged back with the help of eight aces by Raonic, but the home favourite streaked away to victory with a final-set bagel.

Raonic, who had ended Andy Murray's unbeaten run in the semi-finals, served 14 aces but Nishikori made real inroads on the Canadian's second serve, winning 62 per cent of points.

"I'm partying tonight," Nishikori said. "I'd thought the Gods were against me at this event in the past. To win the title is amazing. I'm overwhelmed."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices