Japan’s Kei Nishikori has become the first major casualty at Roland Garros.
World No. 59 Martin Klizan proved too strong for fellow 24 year old and ninth seed Nishikori in a 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-2 first-round victory on Monday.
Klizan, the recent BMW Open by FWU Open champion (d. Fognini), improves to a 15-4 match record on the season after he hit 24 winners and converted six of 10 break point opportunities.
World No. 10 Nishikori was competing for the first time since he was forced to retire due to a back injury in the Mutua Madrid Open final (l. to Nadal).