Nishikori Oustlasts Medvedev In Brisbane For First Title In Nearly Three Years

by Staff | January 6th, 2019, 5:38 pm
  • 9 Comments

A year ago Kei Nishikori was just coming off a wrist injury, and readying for the challenger tour after Australia.

Now, the former US Open finalist is already back playing top tier tennis. The 29-year-old today collected his first title since 2016 Memphis, beating Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to win Brisbane.

“To win the tournament is very emotional. That’s why I’m playing,” said Nishikori. “I was trying in every final and every tournament… I played a great match against Dimitrov and today’s match was another good tennis. I’m sure Daniil is going to be [in the] Top 10 soon.”


The victory was Nishikori’s 12th career ATP crown, and snapped a 9-match losing streak in tour-level finals.

“I always start with this tournament and Melbourne, [but I] couldn’t make it last year. So I had to start at some ATP Challenger Tour events,” said Nishikori. “For sure, [this year is] a better start because I feel this tournament is always the start of the year. Playing with these guys, these top players, always motivates me. Playing good tennis [and being] very happy and healthy is one of the best keys for me.”

Medvedev, who beat Nishikori in the 2018 Tokyo final, was bidding for a 4th career title.

“If Kei plays like this, he is going to have a lot of success in this season,” said Medvedev.


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9 Comments for Nishikori Oustlasts Medvedev In Brisbane For First Title In Nearly Three Years

skeezer Says:

Congrats Kei.


the_mind_reels Says:

I blinked and Kei is 29 years old! I had always considered him one of the young(er) guys on tour, but I’m getting a healthy correction on that. Glad to see him finding some form again, particularly given his so many injuries, and I hope it carries him into 2019.


RZ Says:

Yay for Kei. Now please don’t get injured before or during the Australian Open.


RZ Says:

For all those who want to participate in the Racquet Bracket challenge – the Australian Open challenge should be up sometime this weekend, hopefully Friday.


Margot Roberts Says:

Cheers RZ.
Sight maintenance Sean? Hope you are OK.


Margot Roberts Says:

Cheers RZ.
Something seriously wrong with this site. Hope Sean is OK.


Margot Says:

Cheers RZ.
Something seriously wrong with this site. Hope Sean is OK.


RZ Says:

Hi Margot, Happy New Year! Maybe Sean et al are taking a well-deserved break. Can’t be easy to maintain a site and update with content all the time.


Margot Roberts Says:

Happy New Year to you too RZ.
Hope you are right about Sean and co.

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