HELSINKI/STARNBERG, November 10, 2024
Kei Nishikori has clinched his first title of the season by winning the 2024 HPP Open in Helsinki. The 34-year-old Japanese comes back from a set down to outlast Italian Luca Nardi, No. 5 seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 event, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in Sunday’s singles final.
Nishikori advanced to the championship match with wins in the top half of the draw over Spanish qualifier Nicolas Alvarez Varona, No. 7 seed Jerome Kym of Switzerland, fourth-seeded Briton Jacob Fearnley and German qualifier Max Hans Rehberg.
Nishikori broke Nardi’s serve five times and won 55 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in two hours and eight minutes.
CHAMPION AGAIN @keinishikori comes back from a set down and knocks out Luca Nardi 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in Helsinki #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/UtLWJXdnx9
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 10, 2024
The World No. 132 claimed his eighth ATP Challenger Tour career title in addition to his 11 triumphs on the ATP Tour. Nishikori pocketed €20,300 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points.
The fifth edition of the HPP Open offered a total prize pool of €148,625 and was held at the Tali Tennis Center in Helsinki.
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, sits on the southern coast along the Gulf of Finland, blending urban sophistication with rich natural beauty. Known for its striking architecture, Helsinki’s design includes neoclassical and modernist landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral and Finlandia Hall, designed by the iconic Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The city is also celebrated for its dedication to sustainable living, with numerous green spaces, clean energy initiatives, and efficient public transportation.
