Tennis: Nishikori, Benneteau reach 2014 Malaysian Open final

A battle of No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the finals of the 2014 Malaysian Open – an ATP World Tour 250 event – did not materialize Saturday.  Julien Benneteau reached his third straight final in Kuala Lumpur, defeating a moody second-seeded Ernests Gulbis, 6-4, 6-4.

Julien Benneteau, 32, of France reached his tenth ATP singles final but is still searching for his first title. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Ernests Gulbis, nicknamed “The Outspoken One” in various promotional materials for the tournament, argues with the umpire during a changeover. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Benneteau faces top seed Kei Nishikori in the final.  The Japanese player is coming off a whirlwind month that has seen him reach the final of the U.S. Open, travel throughout Asia to sign new endorsements with Jaguar Japan as well as hit with young tennis players in Hong Kong, and make a number of appearances throughout Kuala Lumpur before stepping onto the court at the Putra Stadium.

Kei Nishikori during his 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 semifinal victory over Jarkko Nieminen. (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

In the crowd for their student’s match: part-time coach Michael Chang (front row, left) and Kei Nishikori’s full-time coach in Florida, Dante Bottini (front row, second from left). (photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Photos: 2014 Malaysian Open semifinals
all photos by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine

Videos: 2014 Malaysian Open semifinal winners’ press conferences & additional footage (Julien Benneteau and Kei Nishikori)
all videos by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine