Rafael Nadal has won his second consecutive Madrid Masters title as Kei Nishikori was forced to retire in the third set of the final this evening.
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Nadal made a strong start to the defence of his crown, winning the opening game to love before forcing a break point that Nishikori managed to survive in his first service game.
However, the world number nine then shocked the Spaniard with back-to-back breaks to put him in control of the opening set. He had a chance to wrap up a 6-1 win, but Nadal managed to save a set point to make it 5-2.
It was only a temporary reprieve, however, as Nishikori took advantage of the second of three set points in the eighth game to wrap up the opener 6-2.
The Japanese player made a perfect start to the second set as well, breaking serve in the very first game to take complete control of the match. Nadal fought back, though, picking up two consecutive breaks in the eighth and 10th games to take the second set 6-4.
The Spaniard was on top in the decider too, racing into a three-game lead before Nishikori was unable to continue, handing Nadal the title.
Barney Corkhill
