It’s the early stages of the Olympic Games and we had Japan’s Kei Nishikori take on Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the opening round. It was the experience of the Japanese star that helped him win the match, 6-3 6-4. 

Set 1: Experienced Kei Nishikori comes on top 

As the match began, both Kei Nishikori and Andrey Rublev started things of in a composed manner. However, the Japanese player was serving slightly better than his opponent. 

On the other hand, the Russian’s serve let him down as his opponent was taking advantage of his second serve. Nishikori was forcing his opponent to commit way too many errors. 

In the end, the Japanese star took the first set 6-3 after 40 minutes. Nishikori won 33 points as compared to Rublev’s 25 points in the set. 

Read more: SHOCKING! Two-time Gold Medalist Andy Murray Withdraws From Singles Championship at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Top Stories

How Much Prize Money Did Elena Rybakina Earn After Taxes for Winning the Australian Open 2026?

Elena Rybakina’s Coach Slammed as Australian Open Final Tension Boils Over: “So Gross”

UFC 325 Payouts: How Much Will Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes, and Others Earn

Michael Strahan Confirms Stance on Retirement from FOX While Announcing Future Plans

Bills Make Final Decision on Firing Sean McDermott’s Staff as Joe Brady Demands Major Changes From Josh Allen & Co.

Aryna Sabalenka Curses Team After Revealing Details of “Hysterical Moment” in Melbourne

Set 2: Andrey Rublev is no match for the Japanese star

In the following set, both players were playing with great efficiency. Everything was going smooth until the seventh game of the set.  In that game, the Japanese player got a glimpse of a breakpoint opportunity and capitalized on the moment. 

However, in the very next game, Rublev had the opportunity to break Nishikori but the Japanese player was too strong during the crucial moments. In the end, Kei won the set 6-4.

During the set, Nishikori was playing well and was forcing his opponent to commit many errors, similar to the previous set. This win against a top player like Rublev will only give him the added confidence moving forward into the competition. We wish him the very best for the upcoming matches. 

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel