Tokyo - Officials took cover indoors as rain from an approaching typhoon dampened the Japan Open for a second day on Tuesday, with teenaged tennis hero Kei Nishikori securing an opening win under the roof. The 18-year-old, who claimed his nation's first ATP title in 16 years when he won Delray Beach in February, took two hours to overcome American Robert Kendrick 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (5-7), 6-2.
"This win is a relief, I didn't lose serve and I took my chances when I could."
Instead of being able to spread out over the Ariake colosseum complex with its one covered showcase court surrounded by a dozen outdoor venues, organisers relied on indoor courts at two different Tokyo location to pare down a programme of more than 20 singles matches.
Leading seeds were also scrambling for practice time after byes into the second round, with defending champion David Ferrer of Spain, and American Andy Roddick, winner of last week's Beijing event, heading the field.
Roddick's countrymen went 1-2 on the day, with Jesse Levine putting out Thai qualifier Danai Udomchoke 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 and Wayne Odesnik beat Kevin Kim 6-4, 6-3.
Austrian Martin Slanar put out hard-luck Donald Young 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Since Wimbledon, the 131-ranked Chicago youngster has won just three of his last 13 matches.
On the women's WTA side, Dane Caroline Wozniacki upheld her top seeding with an opening defeat of Argentine Gisela Dulko 4-6, 6-0, 6-3.
Israeli sixth seed Shahar Peer reached the second round as she ended the comeback hopes of 38-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-3, 6-1.
Date-Krumm, whose status as four-time champion can only be a good omen as she pursues her intriguing comeback to top flight tennis after a 12-year absence.
Date-Krumm made been making a tentative return to tennis since the spring, playing local Japanese events and winning three of them.
But the four-time Tokyo champion found out how much life has actually changed since her retirement with the loss to Peer, herself coming back after injury and poor form.
Date-Krumm said she has a goal in mind: "I want to play the all-Japan championships in November," said the veteran who says she has not decided if she can make a comeback to the WTA.
"I will see how it goes, but I want to try.
Date said she remains unsure of how to proceed. "It's not easy to fill the blank of 11 years and a half. I was a bit disappointed to lose.
"But I have only been at this for five months. I felt much better than I did in the Pan Pacific (in September). Two weeks ago I couldn't go at 100 percent.
"I have to remain positive."
