Local teenage sensation Kei Nishikori beat American Robert Kendrick 7-6, 6-7, 6-2 to reach the second round of the $969,000 Japan Open on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old, who in February became the first Japanese player to win an ATP Tour title in 16 years, sparked wild cheers when he sealed victory with a thumping serve after just over two hours.
World number five David Ferrer of Spain, American number eight Andy Roddick and Chile's 11th-ranked Fernando Gonzalez head the $794,000 men's draw on the shore of Tokyo Bay.
Former US Open champion Roddick won the China Open at the weekend while France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the runner-up at this year's Australian Open, won his maiden tour title in Bangkok.
The top players were given an extra day's rest as organisers tried to clear a backlog of matches after heavy rain washed out most of Monday's play.
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