Kei Nishikori returned to action in Cincinnati after missing two and a half months. The Japanese played his first match in Ohio since 2019 and suffered a 7-5, 6-3 defeat toCamilo Ugo Carabelli in an hour and 37 minutes.
The Argentine clinched a tight opener and delivered a single break in the second set to emerge at the top. Despite the loss, Kei stole the headlines with a cracking shot in the second game of the second set.
After defending with two one-handed backhands, the Japanese fired the third and scored a crosscourt winner. It came on a perfect day, with his idol and one-handed backhand maestro, Roger Federer, celebrating his 44th birthday today.
Ugo Carabelli dominated with his first serve and defended two of three break points. He took 44% of the return points and provided three breaks from eight opportunities. They stayed neck and neck in the more extended rallies.
However, Camiloearned his win in the shortest range up to four strokes. The Argentine forged an early advantage in the opener, and the Japanese erased the deficit with a break in game five.
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Ugo Carabelli secured a late break in game 12 to clinch the opener 7-5. Nishikori denied break points in the sixth game of the second set and remained in touch.
However, he lost served in the eighth game and allowed his rival to seal the deal with a fine hold at 5-3. Thus, Kei suffered a loss in his troubled season. However, he stole the magic with a perfect one-handed backhand winner that brought smile onRoger Federer's face.
