[*bunny*]

Kei is in the bottom half, Djokovic's quarter

[6] Berdych vs Qualifier
Kohlschreiber vs Kamke
Harrison vs Mannarino
Qualifier vs [28] Gasquet

[23] Davydenko vs Mayer
Fognini vs Nishikori
Zverev vs Tipsarevic
Schuettler vs [9] Verdasco

[14] Almagro vs Qualifier
Andreev vs Volandri
Qualifier vs Paire
Luczak vs [17] Ljubicic

[29] Troicki vs Tursunov
Dabul vs Qualifier
Karlovic vs Dodig
Granollers vs [3] Djokovic

Full draw: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/.../ms/index.html

Ganbatte, Kei!!

[Rafkei]

So its Fabio Fognini in the first round and a possible 2nd round encounter with the super-talented Russian Nikolay Davydenko, who has just beaten Rafael Nadal in Doha last week. Very interesting tough draw.

Good luck Kei!

[*bunny*]

I agree, Rafkei, an intersting as well as tough draw!

And Kei has arrived in Melbourne:

arrived in Melbourne....draw is out..I play Fognini. Of to practice now....

[DanaKz]

Tough draw... :sigh:

[chewy]

tough matches as always, but this is probably fairly decent draw compare to some of the past ones.

[*bunny*]

From Nick B:

http://nickstennispicks.com/2011/01/...ngles-round-1/

2011 Australian Open – Nick’s Picks – Men’s Singles Round 1

[...]

Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. Fabio Fognini (ITA)

This is the first career meeting between the 21-year old Nishikori and the 23-year old Fognini. Nishikori made a name for himself a couple of years ago when he won a title in surprise fashion. He has been injured off and on and is now working with Brad Gilbert and IMG Bollettieri Tennis coach, Dante Bottini. He is feeling good and when he is on, he can beat the best. He just took down Marin Cilic and Alejandro Falls in Chennai and demonstrated why he can be such a threat.

Fognini isn’t going to hurt Nishikori, but he can run all day. Nishikori has to be patient and pretend like he is playing on clay. Just wait for his chances and then strike when he has the opportunity. He cannot get over-aggressive and has to remain focused. I look for Nishikori to win, but this will not be a short match.

Nick’s Pick – Nishikori in 4 sets

[*bunny*]

First match on Court 8 on Monday!!
Good luck, Kei!!

Court 8
11:00 AM Start
Men's Singles - 1st Round
Fabio Fognini(ITA) vs. Kei Nishikori(JPN)
Women's Singles - 1st Round
Elena Vesnina(RUS) vs. Virginie Razzano(FRA)
Men's Singles - 1st Round
Qualifier vs. Richard Gasquet(FRA)[28]
Women's Singles - 1st Round
Bethanie Mattek-Sands(USA) vs. Qualifier

[Armless]

Best of luck , Kei! Tough draw , but beatable if you play at best.

[kinokino]

Good luck, Kei!!!

[Rafkei]

I wonder if there is any free live stream available of the match? I wish im at home so i could watch.....it sucks to be at work during this time LOLz XD

[*bunny*]

Morning, Rafkei.
Did you try Livescorehunting.com?
Bet365 takes deposit during a slam.
Sorry I can't be much help!

Dark clouds over Melbourne today. Hope it won't rain!

[*bunny*]

Court 8 packed with Japanese... *lol and sigh.*

[*bunny*]

Kei is keeping Fognini waiting at the net, Rafa-style.

Oops I missed the cointossing for typing! *doh*

[Rafkei]

Originally Posted by *bunny*

Court 8 packed with Japanese... *lol and sigh.*

Thanks Bunny and good morning as well!

Wow really? Nice...that will help Kei a lot i hope. So its about to start?

[*bunny*]

Practice is over. Fognini to serve first.