Kei Nishikori avoided losing to a player ranked outside the top 70 first the first time since 2013 by fighting back to defeat Donald Young 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, in the first round of the Japan Open.
In a packed Ariake Coliseum, lucky loser Young wasn’t intimidated by the Japanese crowd as he matched Nishikori point by point throughout the opening set. The top seed had a duo of chances to break Young and serve for the set, but failed to capitalise on the opportunities. Nishikori’s failure proved costly after a error-stricken service game ended with a backhand into the net to gift Young the first set lead, silencing the crowd.
Nishikori hasn’t lost in a first round of a tournament since the 2015 US Open and it was evident as to why in the second set. Intensifying his aggressive play and taking the ball earlier, the world No.5 grabbed back-to-back breaks on his way to clinching a 4-1 lead in under 20 minutes. The rusty play from the start of the match had disappeared for Nishikori as he levelled proceedings at a set apiece with a forehand volley at the net.
The second set display from Nishikori failed to trigger a surge in his performance as a series of uncharacteristic errors kept Young’s match chances alive. Despite his inconsistent play in Tokyo, Nishikori finally grabbed the breakthrough in the fifth game of the decider with the help of a double fault from his opponent. Young’s threat was finally ended when the American produced three more double faults to elevate Nishikori to a game away from victory. The comeback was completed with a love service game from Nishikori.
In what was a far from flawless performance from the top seed, Nishikori produced 31 unforced errors compared to 26 winners in his opening match.
Awaiting the 26-year-old In the second round will be Portugal’s Joao Sousa, who also had to come from behind in his match. The world No.34 required just over two hours to get past Martin Klizan 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Elsewhere at the tournament, last year’s runner up Benoit Paire was kicked out of the tournament by fourth seed Marin Cilic 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. The Croat dropped his serve only once during the match as he progressed to the second round.
Next up for Cilic will be Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, who he beat in straight sets earlier this year at the Cincinnati Masters. The 32-year-old rallied from a set down to defeat Japanese qualifier Go Soeda 607(2), 6-3, 6-3. Verdasco has reached 21 finals on the ATP Tour during his career, however, none of them has ever been in Asia.
