Tokyo - Seventh seed Stan Wawrinka and qualifier Marco Chiudinelli made up for the absence of Swiss compatriot Roger Federer from the Japan Open Monday as both won through on opening day. With rain from an approaching typhoon forcing the roof at the Ariake Colosseum to be shut, the pair of Davis Cup players did their best to help fans to forget the missing Federer, who withdrew to rest after a long season where he made all four Grand Slam finals.
The 2006 champion and world number one was to have headlined with Andy Murray this week but the Scot withdrew with a wrist injury.
Wawrinka made a winning debut in Tokyo as he put out American John Isner 6-4, 6-4. Chiudinelli, who also qualified in 2004 and lost in the third round, overcame Israeli Dudi Sela 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
The Swiss has come alive over the past month,reaching the US Open third round and last week's Bangkok quarters.
The next afternoon following that Asian defeat, the 30-year-old was on court in Tokyo on Saturday - six flying hours east - for his first qualifying test.
Wawrinka has played just three matches in the past two months due to both poor form and an abdominal injury.
But the father-to-be - his child with his television presenter girlfriend is expected in early 2010 - said he's back on his form.
"I feel good, I have no problem," said Wawrinka, who briefly hit the ATP Top ten in 2008. "I'm very happy with my game, I played aggressively and very strongly today.
Wawrinka limited the big-hitting Isner to nine aces - serving eight himself - as he advanced in 90 minutes.
Chiudinelli controlled Sela as the pair met for the first time, with the 100th-ranked player hitting eight aces and breaking on three occasions.
German Simon Greul reached the second round over Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and next faces Wawrinka. French fourth seed Gael Monfils beat Turkey's Marsel Ilhan 6-2, 6-4.
Wawrinka said that after training with the roof open on Sunday, having it closed on Monday made little difference to him. "It was the same, I didn't notice any change in ball speed or humidity."
