Nishikori stops Fritz for fourth straight Memphis title

Kei Nishikori became the fourth active player to win the same ATP tournament four times in a row when he triumphed at the Memphis Open with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Fritz on Sunday afternoon. Only two active players have four-peats that are still current: Novak Djokovic (Beijing and the World Tour Finals) and now Nishikori.

“It’s amazing to win four in a row,” Nishikori assured. “I tried not to think about it too much this week. I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. It was a tough start again today, but I managed it better. I played better tennis as the match went on and I’m happier with the second set. I only gave him a few points on my serve in the last few games…. I felt a lot of support even here in the US against an American. A lot of Japanese came out today.”

Despite facing a previously little-known opponent, Nishikori expected a tough one.

“We practiced five or six times the past few years in California,” he said of Fritz, “so I know how he plays. I never beat him before, so I was happy to beat him in a match.”

Fritz was playing in an ATP final in just the third tournament of his career at this level. Showing no nerves of any kind, the 18-year-old American came storming out of the gates for a surprising 3-0 lead in the first set. But Nishikori soon restored order the proceedings and ultimately got the job done after one hour and 19 minutes.

“I definitely didn’t expect to get to a final so quickly,” Fritz admitted. “It’s a great accomplishment to get here despite losing in the final. I had a great week and I have to be happy with the result. I have a lot of confidence moving forward. I need to get my body stronger and I can continue to play at this level.”