Nishikori Handles Kudla; Powers Into Third Round
Japan’s Kei Nishikori bolted into the third-round at Wimbledon for the third straight year on Thursday, disposing of American Denis Kudla 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in straight sets.
Nishikori is attempting to rebound from his first-round exit at the French Open two weeks ago and regain his Top 10 world ranking. The 24-year old faced no trouble in his second-round bout with Kudla, striking 43 winners compared to just 16 unforced errors. His aggressiveness was also on display, winning 70 percent of his net points.
"Especially since the clay court season I gained more confidence. My tennis is changing; I'm more consistent and everything is going well,” said Nishikori. “Even on grass, my serve is getting better. I can be more aggressive on the groundstrokes. I try to come in more on grass especially. I feel really comfortable playing on grass."
He was able to break Kudla’s serve in seven of 15 opportunities on his way to a third-round appearance. In the next round he will take on Italian Simone Bolelli, who took down 22nd seeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber on Thursday.
The match required the full five sets, with Bolelli eventually outlasting his opponent 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 to push his way through to the third round.
Eight-seeded Milos Raonic also advanced into the third-round on Thursday, blowing past American Jack Sock 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. He will meet Lukasz Kubot for a spot in the fourth-round.
