Eighth-seeded Kei Nishikori created history at the Japan Open Tennis Championships 2012 on Sunday after winning the title, thus making him the first homegrown player to win this prestigious event.
Nishikori beat sixth-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada 7-6, 3-6, 6-0 in the final that lasted two hours and nine minutes to secure his second career ATP World Tour title. His first title was at the Delray Beach event four years ago.
The 22-year old Japanese star was coming from a semifinal round finish at the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur last week and has now gone all the way to the title at his home event. He received $308,130 plus 500 ranking points. Raonic, on the other hand, received $138,920 plus 300 ranking points.
Both Raonic and Nishikori are aiming to become part of the year-end ATP World Tour Finals in London.
