Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a shot behind his back against Jordan Thompson of Australia during their men’s singles match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne yesterday.

AFP/Melbourne


Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco scored a pair of opening victories amid a “little typhoon” to begin 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).
Nishikori, ranked fifth in the world, was forced to work hard in swirling conditions at Kooyong Club for just over two hours.
“It was tough for both of us—like a little typhoon out there,” said the Tokyo-born player now based in Florida. “But it was a good match for me: three sets and some good tennis.”
The eight-man warm-up event for the Australian Open starting on Monday is considered prime preparation for the first major of the season.
“Conditions made it tough to play,” added the 25-year-old Nishikori.
“It was difficult for me to be aggressive. But I played a good tie-break and I’m happy to win today.”
Verdasco also took charge of his game 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 at a set each.
Instead, he was broken to love, with Verdasco eventually winning a tie-breaker on a concluding Simon backhand error.
“This wind is tough for everyone,” said the Spaniard. “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.”
France’s Richard Gasquet, meanwhile, beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-2, with Gasquet 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.
Nishikori came to Kooyong after a semi-final last weekend in Brisbane, where he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic in three tie-break sets.
After winning the opening set thanks to a break in the first game, Nishikori’s level slipped as Australian world number 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, the set eventually going to a tie-break after Thompson saved a match point in the 12th game.
Nishikori took his first match point in the tie-break as the Australian double-faulted.