Kei Nishikori has progressed into the third round of the Paris Masters by defeating Jeremy Chardy in three sets.
The world number seven came through 7-6(4) 6-7(6) 6-1 in the French capital after almost two-and-a-half hours of tennis.
The first set went largely with serve throughout, as both players comfortably held, although Nishikori appeared to have gained a crucial advantage when he broke in the 11th game to move 6-5 up. However, Chardy broke back immediately to take the set to a tie-break, which Nishikori won 7-4.
The second set followed a similar pattern to the first, with Nishikori and Chardy strong on their own service games. Nishikori had a number of opportunities to break in the sixth game, but his French opponent saved five break points before winning it.
With no player finding a breakthrough, the second set also entered a tie-break, which Chardy claimed 8-6 to level the scores.
The third and final set was a more straightforward affair, as Nishkori dominated throughout. The Japanese player broke twice on his way to moving 5-1 ahead, before securing another break to take the set 6-1 and with it the match.
Steven Toplis
