Kei Nishikori eases into round two of Japan Open

Kei Nishikori has defeated Ivan Dodig in straight sets to book his place in the next round of the Japan Open.

The world number seven, who reached the final of the US Open earlier this month, battled through 6-3 6-4 in a time of one hour and 25 minutes in his homeland.

A tight first set went the way of serve until the eighth game when Dodig lost out, allowing his opponent to take command of the match early on.

Nishikori fell 3-1 behind in the second set, losing serve in the fourth game to seemingly leave the tie in the balance, although the Japanese pro earned two breaks of serve of his own to eventually claim the set and match.

Donald Young of the United States awaits Nishikori in the next round.