BARCELONA, Spain — Top-seeded Kei Nishikori began the defense of his Barcelona Open title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia on Tuesday.
Nishikori hit 22 winners and held his serve to win the second-round match on the outdoor clay court in one hour, eight minutes.
The fifth-ranked Japanese player could face last year's runner-up Santiago Giraldo on Thursday if the Colombian gets past Joao Sousa.
Nishikori took control of the match by hitting 11 winners and breaking Gabashvili before finishing out the first set by holding his final serve to love.
Gabashvili tossed his racket down after a third double fault cost him his service as he fell behind 3-2 in the second set.