Yoshihito Nishioka wins 2022 Korea Open over Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov was favoured in this clash yet it was Nishioka who produced the better level to win 6-4 7-6(5).

It's the second career trophy for Nishioka who played in four finals overall and he improves to 2-2 after this one. It was a brilliant week for him from the start. He started with a comfortable win over Dan Evans and never looked back as he kept pushing all week.

This run is part of a sudden emergence during the North American hard court season where he played some amazing tennis as well. Nishioka played in the Washington final but got outplayed by Nick Kyrgios. Today he was better than his opponent.

Shapovalov had issues from the start. He barely pulled through a game where he had to save multiple break points. Then he wasted three of his own at 3-3 and that was a major blow to his confidence as he dropped the set 4-6.

The second set was more wasted chance by Shapovalov. He took a 3-1 lead but could not hold onto it. The match went into the tiebreak and Nishioka proved sturdier to start 4-1. The Canadian pulled back a mini break but Nishioka remained determined and closed it out 7-5.