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Dubai Tennis Updates: Kei Nishikori OUSTED in Men’s Singles

By Harry Floyd

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 16: Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts to a point against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in their semi final match during Day 6 of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Rotterdam Ahoy on February 16, 2019 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 16: Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts to a point against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in their semi final match during Day 6 of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Rotterdam Ahoy on February 16, 2019 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Dubai Tennis Championships: top seed and possible favorite Kei Nishikori has been ousted after seeing an unexpected upset.

Kei Nishikori is no more at the 2019 Dubai Tennis Championships. After winning his opening round match in very dominant fashion, the Japanese tennis star falls in three sets during his second match. It is Hubert Hurkacz who completes the upset over the men’s singles top seed. He defeats Nishikori, winning 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

In a back and forth match with the top seed, Hurkacz emerges victorious and delivers the biggest upset in Dubai so far. With Nishikori gone, all eyes turn to Roger Federer.

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Previously, we discussed Federer’s history at the Dubai Tennis Championships. He is an unprecedented seven-time champion in men’s singles there, winning most recently in 2015. Federer squeaked through a tough three set opener in Dubai and takes on Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday at the event.

With Nishikori gone, Federer has to be considered the favorite. He is the tournament’s second seed this year. The Swiss great is the current world number seven on the ATP Tour, one ranking behind Nishikori as of Dubai.

Federer must get through his match with Verdasco first before he can focus on the title. It is one match at a time right now. Also advancing at the Dubai Tennis Championships is French tennis star Gael Monfils. He remains someone to watch following his title win in Rotterdam. There, the French veteran defeated Swiss star Stan Wawrinka in a thrilling three set finals match. Watch the highlights of Monfils versus Wawrinka in Rotterdam here.

Monfils is already through to the quarterfinals in Dubai. He goes up against Ričardas Berankis next. Other players await their quarterfinals matchups and Federer hopes to be among them.

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With Kei Nishikori out of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Roger Federer could go for another title at the event with a slightly clearer path. Don’t forget about Monfils and others though and there is plenty of talent in the men’s singles field this year.

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