Recent finalist of the ATP 250 in Hong Kong, the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori (35 years old, 76th in the world) confirmed his current resurgence in form by coming back two sets behind against the Brazilian Thiago Monteiro (105th). The former world No.4 finally won in five sets (4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3) to qualify for the 2nd round of the Australian Open.
Another winner of a marathon match, world number 6 Casper Ruud emerged 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 after a 3h21 fight against Spaniard Jaume Munar (62nd). “We train together a lot” in Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, explained the Norwegian after his victory. “When you know someone very well, it’s always tricky, he knows your game. The match could also have gone in his favor”advanced the triple finalist in Grand Slam (Roland-Garros 2022 and 2023, US Open 2022).
