Japan’s Kei Nishikori cruised through his Shanghai Masters opener on Tuesday just 48 hours after making history in Tokyo as America’s big-serving John Isner saved three match points to progress.
Nishikori, who became the first Japanese player to win the Japan Open on Sunday, eased past China’s Wu Di 6-2, 6-4 in his first-round match.
“Obviously, it’s not easy to play [so soon] after winning the tournament,” said the 22-year-old, who is at a career-high of number 15 in the rankings after his success in front of home fans.
“But I had a good day today. I love to play here,” added the 14th seed, who reached the semi-finals in Shanghai last year, losing to eventual champion Andy Murray of Britain.
Nishikori’s weekend win over Canada’s Milos Raonic was his first on the Tour since the 2008 Delray Beach title, sharply raising expectations that Asia had uncovered a potential world-beater.
In a battle of two giants, eighth seed John Isner was forced to dig deep to save three match points to win a second-round match containing three tie-breaks and keep alive his outside chance of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals.