ATP Memphis Open 2015: Japan's Kei Nishikori wins title for the third time in a row
Monday 16 February 2015 16:31, UK
Kei Nishikori won the Memphis Open for the third time in a row following his victory in the final against Kevin Anderson on Sunday.
The Japanese star eased past the South African in straight sets 6-4 6-4 on the hard courts of Memphis in Tennessee.
Anderson had the better of Nishikori on serve, firing down 12 aces, but the defending champion battled hard to claim the breaks of serve he needed. Nishikori closed out the championship on his fourth match point.
Today's match was much different than [the last] couple of matches. I played really solid from the baseline and returned really well.
The real tests for the world No 5 came in the semi and quarter-finals, where he slugged it out over three sets against Austin Krajicek and Sam Querrey.
"It feels great, of course," the 25-year-old told the official ATP World Tour website.
"Today's match was much different than [the last] couple of matches. I played really solid from the baseline and returned really well."
Meanwhile, Anderson indicated he would not dwell too much on the loss as he has a busy season ahead, starting in Delray Beach this week.
Anderson said: "Being in that stage a few times now in the finals, obviously you want to take it a little bit further, but it wasn't there," said the 6ft 8ins right-hander.
"I have a couple of other tournaments coming up now, so I can't afford to dwell on this."
