Kei Nishikori plays a very solid match against Andrey Kuznetsov to win 6-3 6-3 6-3 without much struggle with the exception of the beginning of the match when he was broken in the 3^rd game. Eventually, Kei managed to win five consecutive games to conquer the first set (6-3) after being 1-3 down. Soon after, life was much easier for the Japanese as he managed to get a decisive 5-2 lead in both the 2^nd and 3^rd set.

Nishikori. It was important changing my game after being 1-3 down

Kei explained what was important for his match “After going 3-1 down (in the first set) I tried to change it up a little bit and it started working better. Second and third I think I played pretty good tennis.” 

Next vs. Verdasco

Kei will play Fernando Verdasco in the 3^rd round. The Spaniard defeated Dodig 6-2 6-1 6-3 in the second round. The head to head is 2-1 for the Spaniard, but Nishikori has won the last one in Indian Wells.

THE DRAW