NISHIKORI, DIMITROV WIN TITLES AND SURGE TOWARD TOP 10 By Ricky Dimon

Written by: Staff on 27th April 2014

Monte Carlo Masters in Roquebrune Cap Martin

NISHIKORI, DIMITROV WIN TITLES AND SURGE TOWARD TOP 10 By Ricky Dimon

epa04170321 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria serves the ball to David Ferrer of Spain during their third round match at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 17 April 2014. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER |

Kei Nishikori won the first clay-court title of his career–and his fourth overall–by making quick 6-2, 6-2 work of Santiago Giraldo on Sunday in Barcelona. Nishikori broke his opponent five times in eight return games to prevail in one hour and 13 minutes.

“This title and Miami (where he reached the semifinals) helped my confidence, especially this week on clay,” Nishikori said afterward. “There are three big tournaments coming up in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, so I hope I can do well and increase my points. My next goal is to get to the Top 10.”

Sunday’s other champion also also has his sights set on the Top 10. Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Lukas Rosol 7-6(2), 6-1 for the Bucharest crown, is now an awesome 20-6 on the season. He climbed two spots to No. 14 in the ATP rankings, matching his career-high.

“I have worked really hard to start winning titles,” the Bulgarian assured. “I have put in enough effort, time and sacrifices to get here.”

“A run to a final was very good,” Rosol reflected. “Grigor was just amazing today. I played good tennis, but Grigor was better on the court and I had no answer. I am sure he will break into the Top 10 very soon.”

Dimitrov is within relative striking distance of the No. 9 (Milos Raonic) and No. 10 (John Isner) players in the world. He is 380 points behind Raonic and 355 back of Isner. The 22-year-old has 135 points to defend between now and the start of the French Open (90 in Madrid and 45 in Rome).

Nishikori, meanwhile, soared five spots to No. 12 in the world–one off his career-high of 11th. The Japanese sensation trails Raonic by 140 points and Isner by 115 points. He has 225 points to defend between now and Roland Garros (180 in Madrid, 45 in Rome).

Topics: Atp, Grigor, John Isner, milos raonic, Nishikori, Ricky Dimon, Rosol, Tennis

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10sBalls_com says:

April 27, 2014 at 10:22 pm

NISHIKORI, DIMITROV WIN TITLES AND SURGE TOWARD TOP 10 By @RD_Tennistalk – http://t.co/byHul76o7E @GrigorDimitrov @keinishikori #tennis
RD_Tennistalk says:

April 27, 2014 at 10:32 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: NISHIKORI, DIMITROV WIN TITLES AND SURGE TOWARD TOP 10 By @RD_Tennistalk – http://t.co/byHul76o7E @GrigorDimitrov @keini…