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The world
number six, making his debut in Dubai, saved seven break points in the first
set before taking full advantage of Paire's troublesome right knee and
prevailing in 81 minutes.
Top seed
Nishikori will next take on Polish qualifier Hubert Hurkacz who beat another
Frenchman in Corentin Moutet 6-3 7-5.
The seeds
continued to tumble as Daniil Medvedev and Marin Cilic crashed out in the
opening round.
World
number 113 Ricardas Berankis stunned eighth seed Medvedev 6-3 6-3 while
Frenchman Gael Monfils knocked out third seed and former U.S. Open champion
Cilic 6-3 4-6 6-0.
The
Lithuanian qualifier, who won his 11th ATP Challenger title last month in
Rennes, faces Denis Kudla next after the American rallied past Matteo
Berrettini 2-6 7-5 7-5.
Twice
finalist Tomas Berdych faced a stern test from lucky loser Ilya Ivashka
before prevailing 6-4 4-6 7-6(4) in two hours and 30 minutes.
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Source: NDO