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Alexandr Dolgopolov won his first title in more than 4 1/2 years on Sunday when he stunned top-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan in straight sets in the Argentina Open final at Buenos Aires. Dolgopolov recorded a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over Nishikori on the clay court to continue his week-long pattern of not losing a single set.
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The 28-year-old Ukrainian won his third career ATP title and first since a victory in Washington in July 2012.
Dolgopolov lost his previous five matches against Nishikori before finishing him off in one hour and 40 minutes on Sunday.
"I think you can call it a perfect week," Dolgopolov said afterward. "I didn't lose a set and beat Kei for the first time. The fans were really supporting me and I felt very welcome here."
Entering the tournament, Dolgopolov had won just one of his previous 11 matches.
Nishikori was unable to find a groove but felt Dolgopolov's effort was the primary reason for his defeat.
"I'm glad to be here in the final. Unfortunately I lost today, but Alex played better than me," Nishikori said. "I didn't play badly, so hopefully I can keep up this level."
