MELBOURNE: Frenchman Richard Gasquet beat Kei Nishikori in straight sets Friday in their final preparation for the Australian Open as the pair wrapped up the Kooyong Classic competition in the third place playoff.
Spain's Fernando Verdasco faces Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine for the title.
Gasquet, who seemed to struggle temporarily with his back in the second set, said later he did not have a problem.
The world number 26, who won 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6), will begin next week's Australian Open against Argentine Carlos Berlocq.
"I feel good, I don't have any big problems," said the winner, who suffered through injuries in 2014 which dropped his ranking.
"I'm feeling good now and working on my fitness. I want to be ready for my first match of the grand slam, that one is always difficult."
Gasquet spent an hour and three-quarters in beating US Open finalist Nishikori for a sixth time after five wins at the ATP level over the world number five Japanese.
The French player was striking his serves with authority in the 58-minute first set, which he won on a fifth set point after Nishikori saved one in the 10th game and another two in the 12th before salvaging yet another in the tiebreaker.
Gasquet struggled in the second set with Nishikori losing only one point in four service games.
The Japanese threatened in the 10th game, forcing Gasquet to save five set points, the last with a fourth ace. Another Gasquet ace two games later set up another tiebreaker.
Gasquet aced again for a match point, which Nishikori saved; Gasquet clinched the win on another opportunity a few moments later.
"Kei is playing good tennis, everyone knows that," said Gasquet. "He will be one of the favourites at the Open.
"He's playing faster than before, he doesn't miss, he plays close to the baseline.
"He's physically strong, that is why he's better now. He's one of the best players for the future."
Gasquet will now turn total concentration to his upcoming duties at Melbourne Park.
"I'm feeling good, but the first match is always difficult, you need to win it," he said.
"It will be a big battle for me, I need to win matches to play my best tennis.
"Berloq is a fighter and in the first round of a Grand Slam everyone wants to win."
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