Opening victory in Miami

Sebastian Ofner against Kei Nishikori today LIVE

Sebastian Ofner celebrates at the start of the Masters tournament in Miami.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Strong performance by Sebastian Ofner in his Masters debut in Miami! The Styrian beat the Japanese player and former world number four Kei Nishikori 6:3 and 6:4.

The Argentinian Francisco Cerúndolo (ATP 20th) awaits Ofner in the next round. "I'm definitely confident of a win there, because he's also had problems in recent weeks," said Ofner.

Commanding performance
Ofner gave his 34-year-old opponent no chance after breaking for 2:0 in the first set, and it was only in the second round that Nishikori, who had been awarded a wildcard, gained a better foothold in the match. But even then Ofner (ATP-40) was ultimately in commanding form against the Japanese player, who was playing on the tour for the first time since July last year. With a break to make it 4:3, the 27-year-old clinched his seventh match win of the year.

"It's never easy against a player like that because he has a certain level that he doesn't lose. But I didn't give him any rhythm from the start," said Ofner. After the difficult and unsuccessful weeks in South and North America, he sees light at the end of the tunnel. "I'm really happy because I've been fighting and looking for my game in recent weeks. That's why I'm really happy that I've got back on track."