Kei Nishikori Denies John Isner For First Washington Title

Kei Nishikori rallied from a set down to turn away John Isner to capture his first title in Washington 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Japanese also avenged a loss to Isner in Miami earlier this year.

“I’m very happy to win after losing the first set. I came back really well so I’m very happy to win today,” said Nishikori who improved to 13-3 this year in deciding sets and has won 34 of his last 40 when it goes the distance.

Nishikori won three matches from a set down last week including the last two over Marin Cilic and then Isner.

“I fought through (after losing the first set for the third time this week). In the first match I was down 7-6 and came back. It’s not easy but mentally I tried to fight every time and I’m happy to win in the final today,” added Nishikori after his 10th career title.

Isner who had just won Atlanta, was troubled by a shoulder and a knee problem. The 30-year-old American falls to 0-3 in the Washington finals as he still seeks his first ATP 500 level title.

“I didn’t make enough inroads on his first serve. If you put a decent amount of first serves in the court, he’s arguably the best in the best in the world from the baseline,” said Isner who is just 2-8 this year vs Top 10 players. “It’s tough. I thought he served better in the second and third sets. He’s a great player and a great champion.

“Getting to the final of an event like this three times is something to be proud of.”

Both players are scheduled to play this week in Montreal.

In the doubles final, the Bryan Brother beat Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo for their 108th career team title.

“I think this tournament is really valuable for our confidence, our momentum going into this hard-court summer,” said Bob. “It was nice to get some revenge on a couple of teams we lost to over in Europe. That will help us going into these next three big tournaments and crescendos at the US Open in New York.”

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