Nishikori Wins The Sarasota Open

[admin]

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Open

Saturday afternoon was filled with excitement during the finals of the Sarasota Open, a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event.  Kei Nishikori won the Men’s Singles Finals, continuing his comeback after recovering from an elbow injury. Nishikori defeated Brian Dabul of Argentina with a close match that kept the crowd on edge: 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

In spite of the intense afternoon heat, both players gave the game their all. Prior to the Open, Dabul’s previous wins include a 7-5 victory over one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Rafael Nadal, in an exhibition match.

Nishikori’s comeback quickly follows surgery on his elbow last August. He also won the USTA tournament in Savannah last week. Prior to be injured, Nishikori’s highest ATP ranking was 56th. In 2008, he was selected by the ATP as Newcomer of the Year. Over 3000 fans in Tokyo watched a live feed of his performance at the Sarasota Open earlier in the week.

Nishikori began playing tennis at age five and moved to the US at age 14 to train at Bollitierri where he continues to train today. After the match, Nishikori stated, "Today was a great day. I really got tested, and Brian played a great match.  My level went up as the match went on and I am extremely happy that my body has felt so great, not just today, but the last two weeks. I am very happy with the progress I have made the last 6 months, and my team around me has been amazing. This is also a great day for them. I look forward to the next months to come."

The Men’s Doubles Finals was just as mesmerizing with both teams being fun to watch.  The USA team of Brian Battistone and Ryler Dehart defeated Germany’s Gero Kretschmer and Alex Satschko, but it was neck in neck: 5-7, 7-6(4), 10-8. Battistone stunned onlookers with his unique two-handled racquet. It was a great week of tennis in Sarasota, and what a better place for a match than the Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens. 

The Director of the U.S. Open’s Professional Division visited Longboat Key during this year’s qualifying rounds. There was talk that the Sarasota Open may be bumped up to a higher category in the near future. What will this mean for Sarasota? It will mean bigger names in tennis, more media attention, more
visitors and greater economic impact to our community. Let’s hope it happens!

by Amy Warren

[Suzette]

how can I print this article for the USTA records?

[Charmaine Tincher]

I am the gal that won the tickets to the Sarasota Open. I do not follow tennis but I have to say, it was the greatest experience, being there. Especially on Friday when Kei Nishkori and Ryan Sweeting Played each other. My cousin and I sat right parallel to the players. It was amazing to see their strength in action.... Also got to experience a little upset now and then especially in Ryan Sweeting.....like in any sports if we keep our attitude in check our results seem to be better as well.. All in All I enjoyed it Immensely... Thank you WQ

Charmaine Tincher
www.globalinformationnetwork.com affiliate 1517446