article_snippet.sent: It was the ninth career title for the top-seeded Japanese, who again showed his improved endurance as his battled to come out on top against the world number 66. '
article_snippet.sent: I didn't think about winning the tournament at the start of the week because of the strength of the players here, especially the Spanish, but now I am very happy,' Kei Nishikori told reporters.
article_snippet.sent: Kei Nishikori exploded on the tennis scene last year, reaching Kei Nishikori first ever Grand Slam final at the US Open and Kei Nishikori will be among the favourites to win the French Open next month.
article_snippet.sent: Strong from the back of the court, Kei Nishikori is well suited to clay courts, also having reached the final of the Madrid Open in 2014 where Kei Nishikori had to retire injured against Rafael Nadal.
article_snippet.sent: Kei Nishikori was in the mood to celebrate a second consecutive year of being crowned Barcelona Open champion .
article_snippet.sent: Kei Nishikori holds up the Japanese flag with the trophy after Kei Nishikori second straight Barcelona Open title success .
highlights_snippet.sent: World No 5 crowned Barcelona Open champion for second year in a row .