ATP Hong Kong: Kei Nishikori reaches his first ATP last in six years!

Former world no. 4 Kei Nishikori is aware of the whole lot concerning the ATP finals, battling in 26 between 2008 and 2019! Nevertheless, Kei had been outdoors the title hunt for six years, coping with quite a few accidents and setbacks.

The Japanese by no means gave up, and the reward got here at this week’s ATP 250 occasion in Hong Kong! Nishikori ousted 4 rivals for his first ATP last since January 2019! The previous US Open finalist will search his thirteenth ATP title towards Alexandre Muller.

By no means enjoyable to win like this. Jerry is a good participant and I want he will get properly quickly!On to tomorrow’s match. It’s been some time. Stay up for the ultimate. https://t.co/EXFAF4PhkG

— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) January 4, 2025

Kei began his Hong Kong marketing campaign towards Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian didn’t really feel at his greatest, taking solely 5 video games and sending the Japanese by means of. Nishikori confronted Karen Khachanov within the second spherical and prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

The lower-ranked participant trailed a set and a break. He erased the deficit within the second set and denied a break level early within the decider. Karen led 5-4 earlier than Kei rattled off three video games, offering a vital break at 5-5 and transferring by means of.

Hong Kong 2025© Stream screenshot

The Japanese confronted Cameron Norrie within the quarter-final and got here by means of 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 for a spot within the final 4. Nishikori misplaced serve as soon as and grabbed three return video games that despatched him excessive. Kei received the ultimate three video games of the opening set.

Cameron bounced again within the second, serving properly and breaking his rival in sport 4 to power a decider. The previous world no. 2 confronted no points behind the preliminary shot. He supplied back-to-back breaks and sealed the deal in type.

The veteran confronted the younger gun Juncheng Shang within the semi-final. A young person retired after the seventh sport of the opening set because of sickness, propelling Kei into the ultimate. Shang had been coping with a fever and couldn’t compete at his greatest.

The younger Chinese language didn’t lose his serve, following the rival’s tempo. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t endure the remainder of the battle, retiring and never risking something forward of the Australian Open. Kei and Juncheng are linked by the IMG Academy, with each gamers working in Florida.