Kei Nishikori wins Barcelona Open 2014 title

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori won the ATP Tour 500 Barcelona Open title on Sunday after easing past Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-2. This is Nishikori’s second title of the season and fifth overall on the ATP Tour.

“I was playing well,” said Nishikori. “I felt I should be in the final and I’m very happy to win.

“This title and (my run in) Miami helped my confidence, especially this week on clay. There are three big tournaments coming up in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros so I hope I can do well and increase my (Emirates ATP Rankings) points. My next goal is to get to the Top 10.

“I was good on clay when I was little. Like 14 (years old). I was winning all the European juniors events. Now it’s much tougher than hard courts and I was struggling a bit, but I’ve been playing well these past couple years so there’s no fear to play on clay.”

The Japanese star is hoping to qualify for the year-end ATP World Tour Finals in London but he knows he will have to post great results this season in order to make this possible.

“Hopefully I can get to the (Barclays ATP World Tour Finals),” added Nishikori. “I was close to the top last year. It’s the toughest thing to stay up there and hopefully I can.”

Nishikori goes home with €422,100 and 500 ranking points, enough to propel his ranking to world number 12. Giraldo takes home €192,450 and 300 ranking points.

Despite the loss, Giraldo was proud of his achievements this week.

“I feel great about the week,” said Giraldo. “It was not an easy day for me. Kei played very good. I have good feelings with my play and my improvements.”