BARCELONA, Spain — Top-seeded Kei Nishikori successfully defended his title at the Barcelona Open by beating Spaniard Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday's final.
The fifth-ranked Japanese fought back from early breaks in both sets to claim his second clay-court title in as many years at the Real Club de Tenis.
Nishikori finished off Andujar with a final break to win in 1 hour, 34 minutes.
It was his second title of the season and his ninth career title.
"I didn't look to defend my title, just to play my best," Nishikori said. "I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the Spanish players.