Ferrer ousts inform Nishikori in Tokyo

Written by: Resendiz on 4th October 2011

Ferrer ousts inform Nishikori in Tokyo

Spanish tennis player David Ferrer celebrates after beating France's Gilles Simon in their singles match of the Davis Cup World Group semi final between Spain and France in Cordoba, southern Spain, 16 September 2011. Ferrer won 6-1, 6-4 and 6-1. EPA/JULIO MUNOZ |

The number three seed David Ferrer defeated hometown hopeful Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-3 in the opening round at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo today.

The Spaniard converted 4 out of 10 break points today against Nishikori. 2011 have been a great year for the upcoming Japanese star who reached the semi-finals of Delray Beach Eastbourne and the Malaysian Open last week. He was also the runner up in Houston where he lost to Ryan Sweeting). Ferrer was too strong today for the crowd favourite today. The World No. 5 will face Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden who took out Spain’s Pablo Andjuar in three sets on Monday.

Ernests Gulbi of Latvia was under pressure today against Lukasz Kubot of Poland. Gulbis came through in three sets 6-3 3-6 7-5 in almost two and a half hours. The Latvian will have to step up in the next round where he will clash with American Mardy Fish. Gulbis defeated Fish in the final of the LA Tournament this year.

No. 4 seed Mardy Fish encountered some problems in his match against American qualifier Ryan Harrison on Monday. Fish was a break down in the third set before he came back and won the match 6-4 3-6 7-5.

Milos Raonic of Canada toughed out win in three sets over Japanese qualifier Yuichi Sugita 6-7 (4) 6-3 7-6 (1) today. Raonic has been sidelined by a hip injury that forced him to have surgery back in July. “It felt really good. I’m happy to be back after a difficult summer with rehabilitation. To be back on a tennis court playing matches is an amazing feeling. I’m really happy I found a way to win today. It was tough and I hope I can just keep getting better and better by the day,” the Canadian star said. Raonic will play the winner of top seed Rafael Nadal and Japanese qualifier Go Soeda in the second round.

Tatsuma Ito was awarded a wildcard into the main draw. Today he pulled of a great win over Israeli qualifier Dudi Sela 6-4 3-6 6-3. Ito is currently No. 130 on the ATP Tour singles ranking. Next up for the Japanese youngster is the winner of Viktor Troicki and Bernard Tomic.

Argentinian David Nalbandian made short work of Lukas Rosol in his opening round winning 6-1 6-1 in 49 minutes today. “it was a very good first round. I feel that every day I’m getting better, so I’m happy with the play today. I didn’t start very well in the US Open series, but week after week I’m feeling better, playing better and that’s the result today.”

Ivan Dodig of Croatia will be Nalbandian’s second round opponent after he defeated Juan Monaco in three sets 6-2 2-6 7-6 (1) in two hours and 42 minutes.