Tennis-Nishikori upsets fifth seed Rublev at home

TOKYO, July 25 (Reuters) – Japan’s Kei Nishikori qualified for the second round of the men’s singles at the Tokyo Games on Sunday, triumphing over fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-4 at home.

Nishikori, who won bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics, said he was happy to return to top-level tennis after suffering from injuries in recent years.

“You know it’s been a long time playing like this and playing to beat the top 10 players. I think it’s been two years already,” Nishikori told reporters.

“I was a little worried if I got nervous on the pitch, but I didn’t, so that’s a good sign.”

The 31-year-old, who was competing in his fourth Olympics, said he drew on his Games experience to help him achieve victory over Rublev, who was competing as a representative of the Russian Olympic Committee.

“I think the experience helps a lot. The first Olympics (in 2008) I was really nervous, and I have a bad memory (after losing in the first round) but since then I think I have gained a lot of experience, have become mentally strong, and play well. “

Nishikori is ranked 69th in the world, but has long been the top Asian player on the men’s circuit, peaking in career fourth shortly after his run to the US Open final in 2014.

Her victory follows her compatriot Naomi Osaka’s dominating performance over China’s Zheng Saisai in the first round of the women’s singles on Sunday.

Another Japanese player, Yoshihito Nishioka, was not so lucky, however. He lost in both men’s singles and doubles, with Daniel Taro in the latter.

Reporting by Rozanna Latiff, editing by Pritha Sarkar

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