Japan Open 2015: Monday Tennis Scores, Results and Updated Draw Schedule
Second-seed Kei Nishikori battled back from a set down to beat Borna Coric 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in a tricky first-round tie at the 2015 Japan Open on Monday.
American Sam Querrey overcame Alexandr Dolgopolov in straight sets, while in an all-Japanese contest Tatsuma Ito came from behind to beat Yoshihito Nishioka in three sets.
In the final singles match of the day, Jiri Vesely eased past Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-4, 6-4.
Read on for the full results from Monday's action, the latest schedule and a closer look at how Nishikori and Co. fared on the opening day.
| [2] Kei Nishikori (JPN) def. Borna Coric (CRO) 26 61 62 | 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 |
| Sam Querrey (USA) def. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 76(5) 64 | 7-6 (5), 6-4 |
| Jiri Vesely (CZE) def. [WC] Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) | 6-4, 6-4 |
| [WC] Tatsuma Ito (JPN) def. [WC] Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 36 60 75 | 3-6, 6-0, 7-5 |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs Fernando Verdasco (ESP) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | [1] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs Radek Stepanek (CZE) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | [8] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) vs Benoit Paire (FRA) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) vs [4] Richard Gasquet (FRA) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Jeremy Chardy (FRA) vs Sam Groth (AUS) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Gilles Muller (LUX) vs [5] Kevin Anderson (RSA) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | [3] Gilles Simon (FRA) vs [Q] Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) vs Nick Kyrgios (AUS) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Bernard Tomic (AUS) vs Steve Johnson (USA) |
| Tuesday, October 6 | [Q] Matthew Ebden (AUS) vs [Q] Austin Krajicek (USA) |
Nishikori Fights Back Against Rising Star
The world No. 6 was handed one of the tougher draws in the opening round as he faced one of the rising stars of men's tennis—world No. 38 Coric.
The 18-year-old broke his illustrious opponent twice to take the first set 6-2 as he sent Nishikori reeling. Nishikori had chances of his own in the opener, but failed to take any of the five break points earned as Coric showed remarkable resilience that belied his years.
The Japanese star cruised through the second set to pull level, though, as his quality began to tell.
Despite making just 37 per cent of his first serves according to ATP's official stats, Nishikori's excellent second serve won him 65 per cent of those points as he broke twice and saved three himself.
The final set saw a healthy improvement in his first service up to 64 per cent success rate, and he won 14 of the 16 resulting points, showing great ruthlessness in securing both of the break-point opportunities earned.
TennisNow highlighted Nishikori's dominance in the final two sets, while tennis writer Jose Morgado illustrated his phenomenal record in closing out third sets:
Nishikori will now face Querrey, who was made to work for his 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory over Dolgopolov. He should have little problem in progressing to the quarter-finals from there, but will need to continue improving his serve or he could be punished by a stronger opponent deep into the tournament.
Ito came through a tough but exciting match with compatriot Nishioka, which saw the pair break each other seven and five times respectively.
His reward is a difficult second-round clash with either Stan Wawrinka or Radek Stepanek.
Also set to face a marquee opponent is Vesely, after he triumphed against the battling Uchiyama.
Vesely took his only opportunity to break the Japanese player in the first set, while Uchiyama lacked the Czech's clinical edge as he failed to convert seven break points.
The second set was a tighter affair, but the 22-year-old was again ruthless in claiming two break points from two chances.
Vesely will now face either third seed Gilles Simon or qualifier Mikhail Youzhny in the second round.
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