Tokyo, Japan – Kei Nishikori of Japan took down Milos Raonic of Canada to capture the Japan Tennis Open title.
The eighth-seeded Nishikori defeated Raonic, the No. 6 seed, by a 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-0 margin to become the first Japanese player to win the title at this event.
Nishikori won his first final since winning his lone title in Delray Beach in 2008. He is 2-2 lifetime in title matches.
"He (Milos) attacks on his returns and goes up to the net quickly. And he is willing to take risks," Nishikori said. "I watched him play [Andy] Murray. Despite the break in the first game, there were some dangerous moments in the first set. I tried to stay aggressive. I was able to continue doing so and was able to get the final set 6-0."
Meanwhile, Raonic was trying to capture his fourth career title. He won twice earlier this year, claiming titles in Chennai to start the campaign and in February at San Jose, and owns a career mark of 3-3 in finals.
It was the first-ever meeting between Raonic and Nishikori.
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