Paris: Japan smashed a record that had stood for almost half a century at the French Open on Sunday by seeing five men make the first round draw.
Not since 1967 has Japan enjoyed such relative riches in Paris, with world number five Kei Nishikori leading the way as he beat France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets 6-3, 7-5, 6-1.
However, the stardust of Nishikori wasn’t immediately rubbing off on his compatriots as the five quickly became four when veteran Go Soeda was defeated 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 by German 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round.
“I think it’s great for Asia, not only Japan,” said 30-year-old Soeda of Japan’s achievement.
“Five players in the main draw so I think we can be confident. But we have to win the first match or second match.
“If I play main draw, I have to win main draw. Nishikori can win this tournament. But other players, we should win the first round,” added Soeda, who has never won a main draw match in Paris.
Japan’s other players in the first round are qualifiers Taro Daniel and Yoshito Nishioka who play Spain’s Fernando Verdasco and Czech fourth seed Tomas Berdych respectively. Tatsuma Ito will take on Italy’s Fabio Fognini.
