Kei Nishikori failed to reach his first ATP final in two and a half years after losing to German qualifier, Matthias Bachinger 2-6 6-4 7-5.
The recent US Open semi-finalist failed to capitalise on a big opportunity as before today he was the only seeded player left in the tournament. The German hit 13 aces as he edged past Nishikori to reach his first ever ATP World Tour final.
The 31 year old qualifier will now play Gilles Simon in the final, who convincingly defeated Moldovan Radu Albot 6-3 6-1.
The former grand slam finalist started the match better as he gained a couple of quick breaks in the opening set for a 4-1 lead. The world number 12 sealed the opening set in 34 minutes as he was looking to continue his good comeback from wrist injury.
The second set saw both players create break point opportunities as the Japanese player was looking to finish the match in straight sets. However the German veteran sealed the crucial break with his first set point as he forced a deciding set.
The third set saw more break point opportunities being created as Nishikori was becoming a frustrated figure having not broken yet since the opening set. The Japanese player wasn’t returning well today and was being punished by a streaky Bachinger.
After surviving a tough service game the German took his opportunity and broke the Nishikori serve to 15 for one of the best victories of his career.
After a tough match, Bachinger expressed his delight and praised the conditions in Metz, “Conditions here suit my game of playing, as the balls don’t bounce that high. I had a good feeling right from the beginning of the week,” the German stated.
“However, I didn’t expect to reach the final. I am very happy. This has been my biggest success in my career. Kei is such a great player. I was a bit tired from yesterday but he also played really well in the opening set.”
It will be a dissapointing result for Nishikori who would have loved to reach another ATP World Tour final.
However it is Bachinger who will play his first ATP final as he plays home favourite Gilles Simon in tomorrow’s final. The Frenchman leads the head to head record 2-0 but haven’t played since 2012.
