Australian Nick Kyrgios ended his three-year title drought with victory against Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 6-3 in the finals of the Citi Open in Washington. The in-form Wimbledon runner-up, who also bagged the doubles title alongside American Jack Sock, needed only 81 minutes to claim his first ATP Tour title since winning the same title in 2019. More updates and tennis predictions today here.
“It’s just very emotional for me,” he said in a post-match interview. “To see where I was at last year to now, it’s just an incredible transformation. I just came out with great energy. I knew that I had experience on my side today. I love this court, I’ve played so many good matches here, so I’m just really happy with myself.” Follow us for more online sports betting, odds and predictions.
During the game, Kyrgios hit 12 aces and won 22 of 25 first-serve points. He also won nine of his service games against the 93rd ranked Japanese, making him 64 for 64 in the tournament. Kyrgios maintained his early advantage and eventually claimed victory. He remains undefeated against Nishio 4-0. Kyrgios eliminated top-seeded Andrey Rublev in the semifinals to set up this final match.
“I’ve been in some really dark places,” the Australian added. “Just to be able to turn it around… There are so many people who have helped me get there, but myself, I’ve shown some serious strength to just continue and persevere and get through all those times and be able to still perform and win tournaments like this one.” Kyrgios will return to Flushing Meadows on August 29.
Earlier, Liudmila Samsonova won her second career WTA title by beating sixth-seeded Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. The 23-year-old Russian, who was sidelined in some major events including Wimbledon due to the ban imposed for Russian and Belarusian players, beat reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu to set up to this match.
“I think it was the hardest match of the week, because Kaia was playing amazing,” Samsonova said in her post-match press conference. “She was serving so well. I had some troubles to find the solution on the return. It was a tough mental game today, and I’m so happy that I found the solutions.” She denied Kanepi her fifth career title, and her first since 2013.
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