TAIPEI/STARNBERG, November 9, 2025
Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka claimed the 2025 Taiwan Sanzaizi Challenger title Sunday, defeating Australia’s top seed James Duckworth 7-5, 7-6(5) in a thrilling final at the Taipei Tennis Center. Competing in the tournament for the first time, the No. 2 seed Nishioka triumphed after one hour and 49 minutes to lift his eighth ATP Challenger trophy, and became the first Japanese singles champion in the event’s eight-year history.
The championship clash featured two former Top 50 players: 33-year-old Duckworth, who reached a career-high of World No. 46 in January 2022, and 30-year-old Nishioka, who climbed as high as No. 24 in June 2023. Both players have battled injuries this season and were looking to close the year strong with a title and a potential return to the ATP Top 100, which would secure direct entry into the 2026 Australian Open main draw.
Their head-to-head was tied at one win apiece from meetings in 2014 and 2016, making this their first encounter in nine years. Duckworth relied on his powerful serve, while the left-handed Nishioka, showcased his trademark speed, court coverage, and sharp counterpunching. The Japanese player has been in fine form, having won the Suzhou Challenger last month and reaching the round of 32 at the Shanghai Masters after coming through qualifying.
Tight battle from the start
The opening set saw intense baseline rallies, with both players holding serve through the first four games. Nishioka then broke twice for a 5-2 lead and earned two set points in the eighth game. But Duckworth fought back bravely, breaking twice to level at 5-5. Undeterred, Nishioka broke again in the 11th game and held firm to seal the first set 7-5 after 54 minutes.
The second set was another serving duel, with no break points in the first eight games. Nishioka broke for 5-4 and served for the match, but Duckworth refused to yield and broke back immediately. The set went to a tiebreak, where Nishioka stayed composed after being pegged back from 3-1 to 3-3, eventually taking the breaker 7-5 on his second match point after Duckworth netted a forehand.
Nishioka struck two aces and committed one double fault, winning 65 per cent of his first-serve points and 74 per cent on second serve.
Yoshihito Nishioka wins his 8th career Challenger title!#ATPChallenger | @yoshihitotennis pic.twitter.com/gtI0oSxqkE
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 9, 2025
“I fought like crazy”
Nishioka, who has now won back-to-back Challenger titles in Suzhou and Taipei, is projected to rise from World No. 134 to around No. 111. “It feels amazing right now,” he said after the match. “It was a great battle. I know James has a strong serve, but I also knew he was under pressure. At 5-2, he started attacking more, which made me nervous, but I’m happy I played the key points well and got the win.”
Reflecting on his recent form, Nishioka added: “It was a tough moment when I got broken in the second set, but I knew I had to fight with everything I had. My desire to win was stronger than his, that made the difference.”
After injuries pushed his ranking down to No. 173 in September, Nishioka scheduled a run of four Challenger events to rebuild momentum. “People expect me to win because of my past ranking, and that brought pressure. But I’ve always believed I could get back into the Top 50. I just kept fighting—like crazy,” he said with a smile.
Looking ahead, Nishioka plans to play the Kobe Challenger next week. “Tonight I’ll probably celebrate with my coach, maybe have a beer and enjoy some Taiwanese food,” he said. “Then I’ll focus on Kobe and hope to keep this form going.”
