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 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, 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 tiebreaker 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 tiebreaker 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.
