By Chris Oddo | Saturday, February 14th, 2015
Kei Nishikori eased past Sam Querrey to reach the Memphis final despite 25 aces from the big man.
Photo Source: Corleve
Kei Nishikori has a fast and furious game but the 25-year-old had to do much of his work in four-wheel drive on Saturday in Memphis as he withstood a 25-ace effort from American Sam Querrey to reach his third straight Memphis Open final, 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(5).
More: Breaking Down the Dubai Draw
Nishikori's game has always had the allure of a sports car. Since he hired Michael Chang as his coach, he also has the determination of a ten-ton truck. Even on a night where he was constantly struggling to make inroads against Querrey's laser-guided serving, Nishikori was gritty enough to stay in stride with Querrey--and cool enough to cash in like a cagey pro when he had his opportunity.
“I’m very happy to come to the final again,” Nishikori told ATPWorldtour.com. “I’m a little bit tired from playing three tough matches, but it’s just one more match.”
Nishikori will face South African Kevin Anderson on Sunday, with a chance to become the first three-peat winner in Memphis Open history.
Nishikori’s run of three straight three-set comebacks isn’t unprecedented, but it has been nearly three years since anybody has achieved the feat at the ATP level:
Japan's top tennis dog now owns a 12-1 main draw record at Memphis, and he improves to 3-3 lifetime against Querrey. He was down 4-2 at the changeover in the third-set tiebreaker but rallied to win five of the final six points against a nervy Querrey.
Nishikori continues a recent tear that has seen him win 21 of his last 24 deciding sets dating back to the beginning of 2014. He reeled off 12 consecutively during a torrid five-month stretch last season.
Notes, Numbers:
Three other players have won the Memphis Open back-to-back. Tommy Haas (2006-2007), Todd Martin (1994-1995), Jimmy Connors (1984-1985 and 1978-1979).
Nishikori is bidding for his 8th career title while Anderson is bidding for his 3rd.