Three-time grand slam finalist Casper Ruud and fan favourite Kei Nishikori have survived five-set scares to win through to the second round on a rain-soaked opening day of the Australian Open.
World No.6 Ruud traded sets with Spain's Jaume Munar before claiming a 6-3 1-6 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory on Sunday, while Japanese veteran Nishikori turned back the clock to record a stunning 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-2 6-3 win from match-points down over Brazilian world No.105 Thiago Monteiro.
