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Hot Shot: Sousa runs down everything in Tokyo

Klizan tried his best, but it wasn't enough.

ByNiko Vercelletto

Published Oct 04, 2016

Tokyo demands the best from its players, as proved by Joao Sousa in the first round of the Rakuten Open. He ran down everything that Martin Klizan threw at him, including an almost-perfect drop shot and lob combo before ending the point with a running inside-out passing shot.

Sousa defeated Klizan 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, and will face top seed and home favorite Kei Nishikori in the second round. Nishikori is seeking his third Tokyo title.