Nishikori retains Memphis title

Japanese top seed Kei Nishikori won his second consecutive ATP US Indoor Championships tennis crown yesterday morning (Singapore time), beating big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the final.

It was the fourth career ATP title for the 24-year-old from Shimane, including Delray Beach in 2008, Tokyo in 2012 and last year, and yesterday morning's win.

Nishikori was the first repeat champion at Memphis since Germany's Tommy Haas in 2006 and 2007. The only other was US legend Jimmy Connors.

Meanwhile, in Rotterdam, Tomas Berdych ended a title drought lasting nearly a year and a half as he defeated Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-2 yesterday morning to win the Rotterdam World Tennis.

It was the ninth career title for the Czech, off to his best season start with a 12-2 record. - Wire Services.