Kei Nishikori tested by 'little typhoon' in first-round win at Kooyong Classic

Japanese star 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 in Melbourne on Wednesday.

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 and 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," he said. "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 tiebreak and I'm happy to win today."

Verdasco also took charge of his game as he was tested by the weather.