Nick Kyrgios has claimed his seventh ATP title, and first in three years, with a straight sets win over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in Washington.
Remarkably, Kyrgios didn’t drop his serve all week as he continued his outstanding recent form. Since April he’s made the semi finals or better in five of the six tournaments he’s played, including the Wimbledon final.
The 6-4 6-3 win moves the Australian to number 37 in the world rankings, up from 63 a week ago, and on the verge of an all-important seeding for the US Open later this month.
READMORE: Winner in scary state after ‘extraordinary’ finish
READMORE: Rage erupts as Aussie boxer ‘burgled’ of gold
READMORE: Knights trainer breaks silence on Klemmer furore
Had rankings points been awarded at Wimbledon, Kyrgios would have been number 15 in the world.
The Australian had Nishioka under pressure immediately, breaking serve in the opening game of both sets.
It was the first time since the tournament began in 1969 that two unseeded players had met in the final.
“It’s just very emotional for me, to see where I was that last year to now, it’s just an incredible transformation,” Kyrgios said.
“I’ve been in some really dark places.
“I’ve shown some serious strength to continue and persevere and get through those times and win tournaments like this one.”
It’s the second time Kyrgios has won the Washington title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2019.
I have faced just one break point in the final, meaning he won all 64 service games for the week. He sat down 12 aces in the final, winning 22 of 25 points on his first serve.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
