Nishikori, Verdasco score wind-blown Kooyong Classic wins

Japan s Kei Nishikori and Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco scored a pair of opening victories amid a "little typhoon" to begin final Australian Open preparations at the Kooyong Classic on Wednesday.

US Open finalist Nishikori fought past a tough Australian challenge from Jordan Thompson to post a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) result while Verdasco beat Frenchman Gilles Simon 62, 7-6 (7/4).

Nishikori, ranked fifth in the world, was forced to work hard in swirling conditions at Kooyong Club for just over two hours. "It was tough for both of us -- like a little typhoon out there," said the Tokyo-born player now based in Florida. "But it was a good match for me: three sets and some good tennis."

The eight-man warm-up event for the Australian Open starting on Monday is considered prime preparation for the first major of the season. "Conditions made it tough to play," added the 25-year-old Nishikori. "It was diffi- cult for me to be aggressive. But I played a good tie-break and I m happy to win today." Verdasco also took charge of his game as he was tested by the weather. The 33rd-ranked Spaniard collected the first set against Simon in 27 minutes and thwarted the Frenchman as Simon served to level at a set each.

Instead, he was broken to love, with Verdasco eventually winning a tie-breaker on a concluding Simon backhand error. "This wind is tough for everyone," said the Spaniard. "You need to be focused and hit every ball with confidence -- if not it flies everywhere.

"Despite the conditions, this is perfect preparation for the Open. I like the hot conditions but you never know here."

Nishikori came to Kooyong after a semifinal last weekend in Brisbane, where he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic in three tie-break sets.

After winning the opening set thanks to a break in the first game, Nishikori s level slipped as Australian world number 273 Thompson made his move in the second set, winning it via a break of serve in the fourth game.