You probably won’t see a more notable pair of players win Challenger Tour titles in the same week throughout the remainder of 2023.
Both Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori lifted trophies on Sunday–the former on the grass courts of Nottingham and the latter on the hard courts of Palmas del Mar.
Nottingham: Murray d. Cazaux 6-4, 6-4
Murray is off to a 10-0 start on grass this summer, having triumphed at back-to-back Challenger tournaments. On the heels of his success in Surbiton, the 36-year-old Brit beat Arthur Cazaux 6-4, 6-4 in the Nottingham final on Sunday afternoon. Murray dropped serve only three times in the entire week and he did not lose a single set.
“It was a really good week; I really enjoyed my time here,” said the former world No. 1. “The courts have played brilliantly; the grounds staff did an excellent job. I played really well and got better as the week went on and I’m glad to get through; on to Queen’s. I’m absolutely pumped.”
Murray will face Alex de Minaur in the Queen’s Club first round on Tuesday.
Palmas del Mar: Nishikori d. Zheng 6-2, 7-5
Nishikori, who has continued to be plagued by injuries, was playing for the first time in 20 months (2021 Indian Wells Masters). The 33-year-old wasted no time getting back in gear, as he triumphed in Palmas del Mar by beating Michael Zheng in straight sets in Sunday’s final.
“I’m very happy to win the title this week in Puerto Rico, also the way I played was pretty high level,” Nishikori commented. “I could not ask for more [than] this, (being) able to play five matches in a row and my body is okay. That is most important. I hope I can keep going.”
impressive, Kei