Friday, October 4, 2013

ATP Tokyo – Almagro edges defending champion Nishikori

Defending champion Kei Nishikori felt in quarter-finals clash against Nicolas Almagro

Home favorite Kei Nishikori was looking to defend his title and started with confidence claiming a 4 – 1 lead with double break up, however Almagro fought back recovering from that disadvantage and taking the first set in the tie break.

Like it happened with Jurgen Melzer, Nishikori was able to claim the second set by 7 – 5 and seemed to be in very good place to take the third.


Both players held serve until 3 – 3 and Almagro’s powerful strokes made the difference giving him the first break in the decisive set. Nishikori tried to fight back getting a 15 – 30 lead, but the Spanish fired two straight aces and after a backhand error from the Japanese was just one game away from taking this match. Nishikori seemed to be struggling with his body and suffered a hold break of serve losing this match and the chance of defending his title. 

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