Nalbandian advaces forward, to face Murray next in Cincinnati

David Nalbandian takes care of Kei Nishikori in straight sets on Monday in Cincinnati. Nalbandian will go up against Andy Murray in round two.

David Nalbandian booked a spot in the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Monday afternoon, dismissing Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-4. Nalbandian needed 1 hour and 36 minutes to set up a showdown with Andy Murray. Nishikori had done well to qualify for the main draw over the weekend, but he could not sustain the momentum against a higher-caliber opponent. The Japanese star had to a chance to take a quick lead with Nalbandian coming out of the gates as an error machine, but Nishikori could not pull away. Nalbandian served horribly, but he earned two breaks of his own before closing out the first set at 5-4.

The veteran Argentine raised his level in the second and held all five of his service games. Nalbandian capitalized on only one of seven break-point opportunities, but one was enough.

Both players recorded one ace. Nishikori double-faulted 4 times and Nalbandian turned in seven doubles--six alone in the first set.