By Daily Sports on January 7, 2019

Japan’s Kei Nishikori overcame Daniil Medvedev in the Brisbane International final on Sunday for his first ATP title in nearly three years and the 12th of his career. Last year’s finalist Nishikori, who prevailed 6-4 3-6 6-2, won 70 percent of points on his first serve and converted five out of 15 break point opportunities to snap a nine-match losing streak in finals.

“This week was one of the best for me,” Nishikori, who beat Denis Kudla, Grigor Dimitrov and Jeremy Chardy this week, said.

“I’ve never had a week like this to start the season, so it gives me a lot of confidence.” World number nine Nishikori started slowly, trailing 3-0 in the opening set but responded in typically determined fashion to win six of the next seven games for an early advantage.

Medvedev saved four break points to take a 3-2 lead in the second set before dragging the match into a decider but his opponent, who lost their previous meeting in last year’s Tokyo final, was not to be denied again.

Breaking Medvedev for a 3-1 lead in the third set, Nishikori held firm to seal the match in a little more than two hours for his first trophy since winning in Memphis in February 2016.

“Great final today, I lost to him last year in the final in Japan, so I’m happy to get revenge today,” Nishikori added.

“I’m really happy that finally I’ve won this title, it’s been like seven or eight times at this tournament.”

Earlier, former world number one Karolina Pliskova battled back from a set and a break down to beat Lesia Tsurenko 4-6 7-5 6-2 and win the women’s title for the second time. (Reuters).

•Photo shows Kei Nishikori

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 7, 2019

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