With a typhoon swirling around Tokyo, Takao Suzuki served up a storm of his own in the first round of the AIG Japan Open at Ariake Colosseum on Tuesday, blowing out 10th-seeded American Jan-Michael Gambill 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
"I tried to go after points using my strong service," said Suzuki, a 26-year-old Sapporo native who practiced his service motion during breaks. "A few aces at crucial times really helped me.
"I also tried to mix up my game, something which I have noticed other top players doing," Suzuki added. "The home support also gave me a lift."