Nishioka, Soeda Send Team Japan To Victory In Perth

Yoshihito Nishioka and Go Soeda both powered their way to comprehensive singles wins for Team Japan on Saturday at the inaugural ATP Cup in Perth.

Nishioka, who recorded the biggest win of his career over compatriot Kei Nishikori at the Western & Southern Open in August 2019, played with great confidence against former World No. 19 Pablo Cuevas of Team Uruguay for a 6-0, 6-1 victory in 54 minutes.

"I have to work hard to win points and this year I'm trying to be more aggressive and use my strengths," said Nishioka. "I played well today and everything worked out."

In the first singles match at the RAC Arena on Saturday, Soeda admitted to nerves, but got the better of Martin Cuevas 6-1, 6-3 in 77 minutes. Soeda lost just five of his service points (36/41) against Cuevas, who predominantly plays on clay courts and struggled with a hamstring strain late on in the match.

“It went well, especially the beginning of the first set was very good,” said World No. 121 Soeda. “But I was really nervous. But I had a plan to do the long rallies, especially in the first set. My goal is to return to my best [FedEx] ATP Ranking of No. 47, but the real target is always Top 80, Top 90.”

The 24-team event is being played in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney from 3-12 January, with the Final Eight beginning on Thursday in Sydney.

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