Video: Nishikori Blankets the Barcelona Clay Before Hitting Winner vs. Giraldo

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Video: Nishikori Blankets the Barcelona Clay Before Hitting Winner vs. Giraldo

Is it really a big surprise that Kei Nishikori won his first tour-level clay-court title on Sunday in Barcelona? Naturally, Nishikori's title hopes received a boost when David Ferrer crashed out in the round of 16 and Rafael Nadal dropped out in the quarterfinals, but with movement on the surface like this, coupled with intelligent shot selection and depth of shot, Nishikori looks like he could be blossoming into a veritable force on the red dirt.

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Watch how Nishikori plays dazzling defense to frustrate Giraldo on this point. He plays two forehands all the way back to the baseline to stay out of deep trouble, and then when Giraldo comes in to put away the volley, Nishikori takes advantage of a little window of opportunity, easily wedging his backhand pass into the open space for a clean—and safe—winner.

It was one of many brilliant points for Nishikori in what was a breakthrough week in Barcelona. Could it be the first of more than a few title runs on the red clay for the rising Japanese star?

Another question: How is Nishikori not bent over and gasping for air after this point? It's a clear indication that the 24-year-old's fitness is improving as much as his movement on the clay is.

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