TOKYO: Local hero Kei Nishikori claimed his second Japan Open title on Sunday, overcoming familiar foe Milos Raonic 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4 to win his fourth ATP Tour title of the season.

The surprise US Open finalist, who also claimed the Kuala Lumpur trophy a week ago, was in tears as he hugged his tennis star-turned-coach Michael Chang.

With a typhoon bearing down on the Japanese capital, the fourth-seeded Nishikori won the seventh tournament of his career with a hard-fought victory under a closed roof at the Ariake Colosseum.

The contest was a contrast in styles, with Raonic relying on his big serve and Nishikori utilizing his speed and mobility to force his opponent into many unforced errors. Raonic had 22 aces in a match that featured few long rallies, while Nishikori managed just one.

Nishikori clinched the first set via a tiebreak before the big-serving Raonic roared back into the contest to force a decider. The pair held firm on their serve until Nishikori got a crucial break in the 10th game to repeat the outcome of the 2012 Tokyo final in two hours and 13 minutes.

The victory sends Nishikori to fifth in the points race for November’s ATP season final in London while Canadian Raonic holds onto the eighth and final spot.

“I hope to get to London. I am getting close, but there are two more Masters 1000s and 500s left,” said Nishikori. “These next few weeks will be really important for me.

“Michael has raised my level. We have practised more on the court and also physical work. Beating a few Top 10 guys over the past year has helped my confidence.”

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2014