TAYLOR FRITZ SEES RUN COME TO AN END AGAINST FOUR-TIME MEMPHIS CHAMPION KEI NISHIKORI BY RICKY DIMON

Written by: Staff on 14th February 2016

TAYLOR FRITZ SEES RUN COME TO AN END AGAINST FOUR-TIME MEMPHIS CHAMPION KEI NISHIKORI BY RICKY DIMON

epa05161499 Kei Nishikori of Japan poses with the winner's trophy, a Gibson guiter, as confetti rains down after he defeated Taylor Fritz of the US in the final match of the Memphis Open tennis championship at the Racquet Club of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 14 February 2016. EPA/TANNEN MAURY |

The future appears to be now for Taylor Fritz. But his first ATP World Tour title will have to wait.

Playing in an ATP final in just the third tournament of his career at this level, Fritz succumbed to Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-4 at the Memphis Open on Sunday afternoon. Nishikori captured his fourth consecutive Memphis title by holding off the 18-year-old American in one hour and 19 minutes.

“It’s amazing to win four in a row,” Nishikori assured. “I tried not to think about it too much this week. I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. It was a tough start again today, but I managed it better. I played better tennis as the match went on and I’m happier with the second set. I only gave him a few points on my serve in the last few games…. I felt a lot of support even here in the US against an American. A lot of Japanese came out today.”

Fritz–of course–had plenty of support, as well. Anyone who follows the professional scene closely knows that Fritz is in the midst of a meteoric rise and leading the charge that features a whole host of promising American teenagers. The Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. native is expected to reach No. 102 in the world rankings on Monday. He was outside the top 1000 last January and was 694th in the world as recently as October 11. For those counting, that means he has climbed 592 spots in the last 117 days.

Taylor Fritz of the US in action against Kei Nishikori of Japan in the final match of the Memphis Open tennis championship at the Racquet Club of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 14 February 2016. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

“I definitely didn’t expect to get to a final so quickly,” Fritz admitted. “It’s a great accomplishment to get here despite losing in the final. I had a great week and I have to be happy with the result. I have a lot of confidence moving forward. I need to get my body stronger and I can continue to play at this level.”

Count Nishikori among those who think Fritz will be able to do it.

“We practised five or six times the past few years in California,” the Japanese star said, “so I know how he plays. I never beat him before, so I was happy to beat him in a match.”

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Runner up Taylor Fritz of the US (L) and winner Kei Nishikori of Japan (R) pose with their trophies after the final match of the Memphis Open tennis championship at the Racquet Club of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 14 February 2016. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

Topics: 10sballs.com, Atp World Tour, Kei Nishikori, Memphis Open, Men's tennis, Ricky Dimon, Sports, Talyor Fritz, Tennis

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hanasaku22neko says:

February 15, 2016 at 12:31 am

RT @10sBalls_com: Fritz Sees Run Come To An End Against Four-Time Memphis Champion Nishikori By @Dimonator
https://t.co/wp1QIbqHp8 https://…
Orange_Deuce says:

February 15, 2016 at 7:15 am

RT @10sBalls_com: Fritz Sees Run Come To An End Against Four-Time Memphis Champion Nishikori By @Dimonator
https://t.co/wp1QIbqHp8 https://…