Zhuhai Open: Nishioka withstands Karatsev onslaught to book spot in final

Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, the No 8 seed, won against Russian Aslan Karatsev 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final of the Zhuhai Open at the Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Centre on Monday.

In typical fashion, Karatsev came out swinging, hitting 29 winners to Nishioka’s eight over the course of the match. However, the Japanese player had more endurance, and played higher-percentage tennis, striking far less errors and converting four of seven break points to win in straight sets.

Nishioka, ranked No 46, will face Russian Karen Khachanov, the top seed, next.

Ahead of his victory, the Japanese beat Frenchman Terence Atmane (0-6, 6-4, 6-2), South African Lloyd Harris (7-6 (4), 7-6 (5)) and German Jan-Lennard Struff, the No 3 seed (6-4, 7-5).

Karatsev, ranked No 63, defeated Italian Matteo Arnaldi (6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 6-2), No 7 seed Andy Murray (4-6, 6-3, 6-2) and second seed Cameron Norrie (7-6 (5), 7-6 (5)) earlier in the tournament.

Zhuhai ATP250, other semi-final result (Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Centre, hard, USD 981.785):

• Karen Khachanov beat Sebastian Korda (4): 7-5, 6-4