The first day of the 500cc tournament in Tokyo has brought some surprises. However, co-favourite Kei Nishikori started confidently into his home tournament.
On the fast Hardcourt, the Japanese won 6:4 and 6:1 against his compatriot Yuichi Sugita. Nishikori only conceded one break and was the winner after 80 minutes. In the next round, the 28-year-old will face Benoit Paire. The Frenchman defeated Nicolas Jarry (CHI) with 6:4 and 7:6 (1).
For two seeded players it already set the end in the first round. Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung was defeated in three sets by up-and-coming Canadian Denis Shapovalov and Diego Schwartzman lost against qualifier Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 4:6 and 4:6.
But the biggest surprise of the day was a local hero. Yosuke Watanuki beat Dutchman Robin Haase in three sets. After losing the first run, the 273rd of the world rankings won with 6:7 (7), 6:4 and 6:1.
After the biggest success of his career (the first on the ATP tour) Watanuki now meets Milos Raonic. The service giant had little trouble with Adrian Mannarino and won clearly in two sets.
The tableau in Tokyo