Japan’s Kei Nishikori has retained his Barcelona Open title after claiming a comfortable victory over home favourite Pablo Andujar in the final yesterday.
Having cruised through his semi final match, Nishikori was in good form against Andujar as well, claiming the first set 6-4, before Andujar manufactured a response in the second set to thrive with the lead at one point.
But Nishikori fought valiantly to equalize the score at 4-4, before powering through to win the second set 6-4 and hence seize the entire Barcelona Open crown.
“I’m really happy I’m able to defend the title,” said Nishikori said.
“I think the second set was extremely tough and I don’t really know how I won it to be honest. Pablo was very aggressive, he kept moving the ball and made me run up and down all the time. I also tried to be aggressive and I think that’s why I won the important points, but I’d say he played better than me.
“I knew Pablo was a great player. I watched yesterday’s match so I knew it wouldn’t be easy to beat him. It wasn’t my best match, I wasn’t at 100% but I think it’s important I won in two sets.
“I think this victory on clay and in such a difficult tournament gives me a lot of confidence to face the upcoming competitions. It’s just an amazing feeling to win a title. I have to come back to Barcelona.”
Photo Credits: The Guardian
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