Watch Free Replay Of Nishikori's Dallas Opener
The comeback continues! Kei Nishikori looks to build momentum in his return to professional tennis at this week's RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas, a $125,000 event on the ATP Challenger Tour.
The Japanese star, who just 10 months ago ascended to a career-high World No. 4 in the ATP Rankings, claimed his first victory of the year on Monday, in his return from injury. It was deja vu for Nishikori, who drew American Dennis Novikov as his first-round opponent in Dallas. Novikov prevailed in the top seed's comeback debut last week in Newport Beach, California. This time, however, the 28-year-old turned in a vintage Nishikori performance for a 6-3, 6-3 victory under the lights at the T Bar M Racquet Club.
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He next awaits either Germany's Matthias Bachinger or a qualifier in the second round. Big-hitting #NextGenATP Reilly Opelka looms large as potential quarter-final opponent, with fourth seed Bjorn Fratangelo also in his half of the draw.
Want to catch Nishikori throughout the week in Dallas? We've got you covered. You can watch every moment with our free live streaming of the ATP Challenger Tour on ATPChallengerTour.com.