Ryan Sweeting vs Kei Nishikori final preview: 2011 US Open Clay Courts Championships
American tennis pro Ryan Sweeting reached his first Association of Tennis Professionals’ final at 2011 US Clay Courts Tennis Championships and will take on Kei Nishikori of Japan who held off Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 7-5.
Sweeting started his Houston campaign by crushing compatriot Tim Smyczek in straight sets. He then ousted US number two Sam Querrey and Russian Gabashvili to keep his title hopes high. Twice in the tournament he came back from
behind to clinch victory which goes on to suggest that he is in a positive frame of mind, taking his chances. However his victory over Croat Ivo Karlovic is the one that he will remember for a long time. Sweeting secured an easy 7-6, 6-3 win to book a place
in his first ATP final on Sunday.
Sweeting looked satisfied with his performance. He said, “I feel great here in Houston. Ivo had a three hour match and was in a little bit of pain out here today. I knew he'd be serving big, but you can’t let that bother you. You’ve
just got to take care of your own serve. It’s good to get to my first final here in the States and here in Houston."
He added, "It's a tremendous goal to get to the semifinals, it's my first one. I tried not to let the pressure get to me on the court and stayed calm and focused and I think that's a sign of maturing a little. Usually, I would
panic a little closing out the match. Now, I also want my first final and my first win."
The other finalist is the 21-year-old Kei Nishikori who is ranked number 61 in the ATP rankings. Nishikori won his maiden ATP title at the 2008 Delray Beach upsetting top seeded American James Blake in the final. As a 17-year-old,
he became the first Japanese man to claim an ATP title in nearly sixteen years.
Seeking his second ATP title, Nishikori made quick work of qualifier Franco Skugor in the first round play. The Japanese star then ousted Russian Igor Andreev and World number 11 Mardy Fish. Throughout the tournament Nishikori
has shown great fighting spirit and determination to overcome challenges and has played several tight matches.
Nishikori leads the head the head score against Sweeting 4-0. He has a big serve which he can use effectively to pressurise his opponents. He is more experienced at the international level and certainly better equipped. Considering
his temperament, technique and skills, he is a favourite for this clash. Sweeting on the other hand will have to solidify his defense and be patient to yield a positive outcome.
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