(Washington) Nick Kyrgios, 63e world champion and finalist of the last Wimbledon, won the Washington hard court tournament for the second time in his career after 2019, beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 6-3 (96e), Sunday in the final.
Posted at 6:43 p.m.
The 27-year-old Australian, as volcanic as he is talented, confirms his rebirth in 2022 after two dark years, punctuated by depression and suicidal thoughts.
He adds a seventh title to his list, after those won in Marseille, Atlanta and Tokyo (2016), Brisbane (2017), Acapulco in 2019 and therefore Washington the same year.
Kyrgios, who appeared slightly calmer on the court than on the previous days, except when he made mistakes, which remained rather rare, or when spectators had the misfortune to be heard too much around the court, did not leave the slightest chance to hope for Nishioka, who had surprised the Russian Andrey Rublev in the semis the day before.
The scenario of the two rounds was identical, since the Japanese conceded his commitment, each time from the start, and had to chase after the score without ever worrying his opponent, still as formidable in service (12 aces).
Kyrgios, who also finished the tournament without having conceded the slightest break, won in 1:21.
He can do double duty in Washington, since he must then play the doubles final with the American Jack Sock, against the Croatian Ivan Dodig associated with the American Austin Krajicek.