Kei Nishikori defeated Alejandro Falla in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-4) in the opening singles match at the Davis Cup World Group Playoff at Ariake Colosseum on Friday to stake the host nation to a 1-0 victory.
Japan No. 1 Nishikori prevailed in a baseline battle and was especially proficient with his trademark forehand, which he used to rack up 16 winners to Falla's six. Nishikori needed just 1 hour, 50 minutes to complete the triumph over Colombia No. 2 Falla.
The 23-year-old Nishikori was encouraged by his performance.