Rate it!

0 votes

Local teenage sensation Kei Nishikori beat American Robert Kendrick 7-6 6-7 6-2 to reach the second round of the Japan Open on Tuesday, triggering wild celebrations from the home crowd.

The 18-year-old, who in February became the first Japanese player to win an ATP Tour title in 16 years, pumped his fists in joy after sealing victory with a thumping serve after two hours.

World number five David Ferrer of Spain, American number eight Andy Roddick and Chile's 11th-ranked Fernando Gonzalez head the men's event on the shore of Tokyo Bay.

Nishikori was the main draw as the tournament's top players were given an extra day's rest on Tuesday.

Former US Open champion Roddick won the China Open at the weekend while France's world number 16 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the runner-up at this year's Australian Open, won his maiden tour title in Bangkok and has also been given a bye in Tokyo.

"It's a relief to win today," said Nishikori, ranked 84th in the world, who stunned Ferrer a month ago to become the first Japanese man since 1937 to reach the last 16 of the US Open.

"He didn't break my serve all match so I would give myself between 70 and 80 out of 100 for the way I played. I knew I had to take my chances when they came and I did."

The leading players were given an extended break as organisers tried to clear a backlog of matches after heavy rain washed out most of Monday's play.

Australian Joseph Sirianni, Croatia's Roko Karanusic and Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun were among other men's first-round winners.

Reuters