Nick Kyrgios beats David Goffin to win the Japan Open
Sunday 9 October 2016 17:17, UK
Nick Kyrgios won an enthralling battle against Belgian David Goffin 4-6 6-3 7-5 to clinch the Japan Open on Sunday.
The Australian No 1, who has a reputation for temper tantrums, was a model of composure as he overhauled Goffin for the biggest title of his career and his third overall.
"It was a great week and I'll be here again," 21-year-old Kyrgios said at the trophy ceremony, thanking the crowds for their support and tournament organisers for the "amazing" food.
"I'm going to come here, for sure, for my whole career."
Goffin, a highly-fancied 25-year-old, was the first to take a set off Kyrgios in the whole week at Tokyo and was successful in blunting the Australian's monster serve early with a crisp returning game.
But Kyrgios gradually turned the tide, wearing down the fleet-footed Goffin with a succession of thumping forehand winners.
Both blew a pile of break points, with Kyrgios converting two of his 13 chances, only marginally better than Goffin's one from 12.
But in a game of fine margins, it was enough for the Australian, who landed the decisive blow at 5-5 in the third set and calmly served out the match.
Kyrgios picked up a $310,000 winners' cheque and a shot of confidence in time for this week's Shanghai Masters.
