Kei Nishikori powers past Kohlschreiber

Japanese star Kei Nishikori has powered past Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open.

The No.7 seed won 6-4 6-3 6-3 in one hour and 55 minutes on Monday to set up a second-round clash with American Austin Krajicek.

Playing only his third grand slam tournament, the 25-year-old Krajicek made short work of Chinese qualifier Wu Di, winning 6-4 6-1 6-3.

Nishikori has a good recent record at Melbourne Park, having advanced to at least the last 16 in each of the past four years.

It was the first time in 11 appearances at the Australian Open that the 32-year-old Kohlschreiber had been beaten in the opening round.

Belgian No.15 seed David Goffin overcame a slow start to down Ukraine’s Sergiy Stakhovsky 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.

Big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic is the first seeded casualty, the No.22 seed retiring from his first-round match against Argentine Federico Delbonis while trailing 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 2-1.

Among the leading men in action later on day one are world No.1 Novak Dojovic, Swiss master Roger Federer and Australian Nick Kyrgios.