Nishikori wins first clay title at Barcelona Open

ESPN staff

April 27, 2014

Kei Nishikori captured his first career clay court title © Getty Images

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Kei Nishikori of Japan beat Colombia's Santiago Giraldo 6-2 6-2 to win the Barcelona Open on Sunday for his first career title on clay.

It was fourth seed Nishikori's fifth career title on all surfaces and his second of the year.

Giraldo started well with an early break in his favour but an argument with the chair regarding a line call seemed to rattle the unseeded player.

Giraldo then failed to reach Nishikori's drop shot before hitting a costly double fault to cede back his serve.

Nishikori went on to win eight straight games to claim the first set and take control of the match.

This is the first time a non-Spaniard has won the tournament at the Real Club de Tenis since 1996.

ESPN staff

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