Search for active players ...
Rune Edges Past Nishikori in Tokyo
Kei Nishikori v. Holger Rune
In an electrifying quarter-final clash at the 2024 ATP Tokyo tournament, H. Rune emerged victorious over local favorite K. Nishikori, clinching the match 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. The match was an exhibition of both players' resilience and tactical prowess, thrilling the spectators with a tantalizing three-set showdown.
K. Nishikori started strong, dominating the first set with a 6-3 win. His serve was particularly effective, winning 87% of his first-serve points and firing off several aces. He broke Rune's serve three times in the first set, showcasing his aggressive baseline play and strategic net approaches. Match point came swiftly for Nishikori in the opening set, demonstrating his command over Rune's second serve and reinforcing his early dominance.
However, H. Rune rebounded impressively in the second set, flipping the script with a 6-2 triumph. Rune bettered his service games, winning 90% of his first-serve points, and seized crucial break points at pivotal moments. Nishikori's first-serve percentage dropped to 65%, which Rune capitalized on, breaking Nishikori's serve twice. Rune demonstrated remarkable consistency and agility, particularly in extended rallies, where his powerful groundstrokes started dictating play.
The decisive third set was a nail-biter, with both players trading serves and showcasing their mental toughness. Nishikori managed to save multiple break points early on, but Rune's persistent pressure eventually paid off. Rune broke Nishikori's serve at 5-5, then held his serve to close out the set and match at 7-5. The final set had Nishikori slightly fatigued with his first-serve effectiveness falling to 62%, an aspect Rune tactically exploited.
Statistically, Rune's consistency in his first serve percentage and his ability to convert crucial break points in the final set made the difference. Rune also improved his unforced error count, keeping them minimal compared to Nishikori's increased tally in the last two sets.
This quarter-final match was a testament to Rune's growing prowess on tour and Nishikori's enduring skill, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final for Rune in the ATP Tokyo 2024.
