Google News
Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori achieved a milestone at Wimbledon on Wednesday as he recorded his 100th Grand Slam win. Nishikori, ranked at No. 53 in the world, handed a 6-4 6-4 6-4 loss to rising Australian star Alexei Popyrin to advance to the Wimbledon second round.
"I started really well. I think it the first set I was a little bit shaky, but in the second and third sets, I played really good solid points," Nishikori said. "I served well and I think the return was key. I broke one game in each set, so I am really happy with how I played today."
Nishikori routinely handled Popyrin
Nishikori made a perfect start to the match, having broke Popyrin in the opening game of the match.
After claiming a break, Nishikori held on to his serve the rest of the set to win the opener. Nishikori saved three break points in the eighth game of the second set, before claiming the lone break of the set in the ninth game.
Nishikori converted his third set point in the 10th game to take a two-set lead. Nishikori then saved three break points in the sixth game of the third set, before breaking Popyrin in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead. Nishikori then served out for the match in the following game.
Meanwhile, France's Jeremy Chardy handed a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (6) 6-3 loss to Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev. Chardy enjoys playing on grass and he was happy to start his Wimbledon campaign with a win. "To be back at Wimbledon is very special," Chardy said.
"I love to play on grass. I was lucky to spend one week at home before the tournament, so I was really happy to enjoy that with the family. I am really happy with my match today, I think I played a really solid match from the beginning to the end."