TOKYO: Kei Nishikori’s hopes of a third Japan Open crown were dashed Sunday by Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev, who crushed the local hero 6-2, 6-4 to play party-pooper.
Medvedev punched well above his world ranking of 32 and overpowered third seed Nishikori in a one-sided Tokyo final, taking just 63 minutes to scoop his third career title.
Nishikori, who won the tournament in 2012 and 2014, had not dropped a set before running into the beefy Russian and came into the match as the overwhelming favourite.
But Medvedev snaffled an early break thanks to a wild backhand from Nishikori, who gift-wrapped the first set to his opponent with a tame double-fault.
A misfiring Nishikori, who won the last of his 11 career titles in Memphis two years ago, continued to struggle as his towering opponent grew in confidence.
Chasing a first tournament victory after recovering from a lengthy wrist injury, the world number 12 never really threatened Medvedev’s serve and went out in a flurry of unforced errors.
Medvedev completed the upset with a drilled forehand to join a eye-popping list of Japan winners that includes Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Ken Rosewall.
Representational image. — Facebook/ISSF.ShootingKARACHI: Pakistan’s six shooters will participate in the ISSF...
Pakistan's Asim Khan and Noor Zaman have qualified for the quarter-finals of West Of Ireland Open 2024. —...
The Pakistan Sports Board building. — APP/FileLAHORE: After Sports Board Punjab refused to give Punjab Stadium for...
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant. — AFP FileNEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant produced a...
India's captain Rohit Sharma speaks during a press conference at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy...
Former Asian champion Saadi Abbas. — Facebook/pakkarateinLAHORE: Dogged by injuries and offshore settlement...