Intro:

Kei Nishikori defeated Santiago Giraldo in straight sets to win his first career clay court title at the Barcelona Open on Sunday (27th April).

Script:

No matter what happened in Barcelona on Sunday, one record was sure to be broken - that of the end to the 18-year run of Spanish success' at the Barcelona Open as Japanese youngster Kei Nishikori met unseeded Colombian Santiago Giraldo in the final.

Giraldo the World No 65 was looking for his first career title.

Yet the Colombian started well with an early break in his favour, however Nishikori began to dictate play after that.

Breaking back to level at 2-2 and then taking a break lead himself with this pin point backhand.

The Japanese man didn't lose another game in the first set to take it 6-2.

The second set went much the same way, with Nishikori working his opponent from side to side.

Despite it being Nishikori's first clay court event of the year, the fourth-seed was comfortable throughout as a powerful display earned him a fifth career title with a 6-2, 6-2 win and his second title of the year.

For Giraldo, a surprising run in Barcelona ends with the Colombian still looking for a first career title having now lost both finals he's contested.