SYDNEY, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 2019 Brisbane International titles have been claimed by Japan's Kei Nishikori and Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova, with both players showing determination under pressure in their respective finals on Sunday.
Nishikori broke an almost three-year title dry spell when he toppled 22-year-old Russian Daniil Medvedev, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
The world number nine will enter this month's Australian Open with increased confidence having put an end to a frustrating few years.
"I'm really happy that finally I've won this title, it's been like seven or eight times at this tournament," Nishikori said.
"I lost to him [Medvedev] last year in the final in Japan, so I'm happy to get revenge today."
In the women's final, Pliskova came just two points away from losing to Ukranian Tsurenko, before turning the table to claim a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 final victory.
The former world number one shook off a frustrating first set loss, making a dramatic comeback in the second, and finally getting the better of a defiant Tsurenko who succumbed to an ankle injury in the final set which slowed her play.
The win is the second time that Pliskova has won the Brisbane International, thanking her Australian coach for rousing her when she was at her low point during the match.
"She believed that I can still win it -- I felt there is no chance I can win this match," Pliskova said.
"She helped me just to get motivated a little bit more, to get going."
