Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco scored a pair of opening victories amid a “little typhoon” to begin their final Australian Open preparations at the Kooyong Classic yesterday.
US Open finalist Nishikori fought past a tough Australian challenge from Jordan Thompson to post a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) result, while Verdasco beat Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-2, 7-6 (7/4).
The eight-man tournament is considered prime preparation for the first major of the season.
Photo: AFP
Nishikori, ranked fifth in the world, was forced to work hard in swirling conditions at Kooyong Club for just longer than two hours.
“It was tough for both of us, like a little typhoon out there,” said the Tokyo-born player, who is now based in Florida. “But it was a good match for me: three sets and some good tennis.”
Nishikori came to Kooyong after playing in the semi-finals of the Brisbane Open last weekend, where he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic in three tiebreak sets.
After winning the opening set thanks to a break in the first game, Nishikori’s level slipped as Australian world No. 273 Thompson made his move in the second set, winning it via a break of serve in the fourth game.
The third set was halted for a short time due to a passing shower.
When the players returned Nishikori failed to serve out for victory at 5-3, with the set going to a tiebreak after Thompson saved a match point in the 12th game.
Nishikori took his first match point in the tiebreak as the Australian double-faulted.
“Conditions made it tough to play,” the 25-year-old said. “It was difficult for me to be aggressive, but I played a good tiebreak and I’m happy to win today.”
Verdasco took charge of his game too as he was tested by the weather. The 33rd-ranked Spaniard collected the first set against Simon in 27 minutes and thwarted the Frenchman as Simon served to level.
Instead, he was broken to love, with Verdasco eventually winning a tiebreaker on a concluding Simon backhand error.
“This wind is tough for everyone,” the Spaniard said. “You need to be focused and hit every ball with confidence, if not it flies everywhere.”
“Despite the conditions, this is perfect preparation for the Open. I like the hot conditions, but you never know here,” he added.
France’s Richard Gasquet beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-2, finishing with 28 winners and three breaks of serve.
“I’m feeling good on the court,” he said. “What I need is matches. After being injured last year, I need to keep my fitness if I’m to return to the top 10. If I can stay fit, I have a chance.”
Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov also beat Filip Krajinovic of Serbia 6-4, 6-3.
Meanwhile, play at another Australian Open warm-up event, the Hobart International, was suspended yesterday due to bad weather in the Tasmanian city.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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