Zheng M. defeated Nishikori K. 6-3, 6-1 in Montreal, sealing a straight-sets win with crisp returning and composed play on her own delivery. Zheng converted five break points, saved three of the four break points she faced, and allowed Nishikori to win only two service games all match.
The first set started with an exchange of breaks in the opening two games, the score moving from 1-0 to 1-1. Zheng then took control with a break at 4-3 and closed the set with another break at 6-3. In the second set she broke in the second game to lead 2-0 and again in the fourth for 4-0, finishing off Nishikori at 6-1.
The decisive gap came on second serve: Zheng won 12 of 21 points on her second delivery, while Nishikori managed just four of 23. It was that margin, plus three Zheng aces against no double faults, that made the scoreline look comfortable.