Nishioka Tops Shapovalov For Title In Seoul

Yoshihito Nishioka put a punctuation on a fantastic week on Seoul capturing the title over Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 7-6(5) in just under two hours.

The 27-year-old lefty rallied from a break down in the third and took the breaker to win his second career title.

“This week was amazing for me,” Nishioka said. “I played very well on the court, my mentality and attitude. I just focused on the play, which was very important I think. A couple of matches it was very close, but I played very well, tried to figure out how to beat the opponent, and every match I fought. I needed to play like this in all the matches, I had a chance to beat each of the players.”

Nishioka upset top seed and US Open finalist Casper Ruud along with Dan Evans during the week.

“I think my returning was great today,” said Nishioka. “I know he has a big serve and a big forehand, but I didn’t need to worry about that if it was too good. I just focused on playing many balls and putting pressure on him, and if I had chances to just go for it. But first of all, just make a lot of balls, and hit a lot to his backhand, and try to move him.”

Nishioka won his first career title at 2018 Shenzhen. His career has been stunted by injury for so long, but he’ll inside the Top 45 heading into Tokyo.

Shapovalov had his best event since the Dubai semifinals in March. He falls to 0-2 against his fellow lefty.

“First and foremost, congrats to Yoshi. I mean you’re playing incredible this year. You’re super annoying to play,” joked Shapovalov when addressing Nishioka at the trophy presentation ceremony. “it was super frustrating for me, I tried to find a way and I think I did everything I could, so congrats, and to your coach as well, you guys deserve it.”

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