MELBOURNE, Australia – Kei Nishikori has become the first of the seeded men's players to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.
The seventh-seeded Nishikori, who reached the quarterfinals last year, beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 without facing a break point Monday.
Nishikori struggled with a series of injuries last year, but said he was feeling sharp after his first match in Melbourne.
"It's great to finish in three sets, especially against Philipp. He's always tough to play," Nishikori said. "The body is feeling pretty good. I had a good preparation."
Kohlschreiber, ranked No. 34, was the highest ranked of the men's players who were unseeded at the tournament.