WASHINGTON: Kei Nishikori already was going to enter the US Open brimming with confidence, thanks to his runner-up finish there a year ago. A title at a hard-court tune-up a few weeks before heading to Flushing Meadows only helps.

Nishikori took a big step on his road back to the US Open final on Sunday by rallying to defeat John Isner and win the Washington Open title.

The rising Japanese player beat the big-serving Isner 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to celebrate his third title of the season and 10th of his career.

“I just can’t wait to play the US Open,” said Nishikori.

KERBER OUTLASTS HARD-HITTING PLISKOVA

STANFORD: Angelique Kerber of Germany beat Karolina Pliskova in a tight three-set battle in the final of the Stanford Classic on Sunday to match Serena Williams for most tournament titles this season.

Kerber closed out the up-and-coming Czech player by claiming the last two games of an entertaining two-hour, seven-minute contest for a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory.

It was Kerber’s fourth victory of the year, tying Serena, who defeated the German in the Stanford final last year.

“We always have tough battles when we play each other,” Kerber said of facing Pliskova.—Agencies

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2015

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