Intro:

Second seed David Ferrer and Alexandr Dolgopolov, seeded eight, are beaten in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo on Monday (29th September).

Script:

Three former champions were in the draw as the Japan Open got under way in Tokyo on Monday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer and local favourite Kei Nishikori.

The tournament's second seed, David Ferrer, won the event back in 2007 and started well against fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers sealing the first set 6-4.

However, the second proved tougher for Ferrer as the momentum began to shift - Granollers levelling the match as he sealed the set 6-4.

He then broke serve again in the decider.

After two hours and eight minutes Granollers closed out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win, his first over Ferrer in six attempts.

He will now face Steve Johnson of the United States, who served 12 aces in his victory over Japanese qualifier Hiroki Moriya 7-6(4), 6-2.

Meanwhile, number seven seed Kevin Anderson had his serve broken three times on Monday, but did enough to edge out Austria's Dominic Thiem 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.

The South African will face either Jeremy Chardy of France or American qualifier Rajeev Ram for a place in round three.

Ferrer wasn't the only seed to fall on the opening day - Alexandr Dolgopolov was swept aside in just 54 minutes by another American, Jack Sock.

The Ukrainian number eight seed was making his comeback following knee surgery, but a comprehensive 6-4, 6-1 defeat will have been a big disappointment.

Andrey Golubev of Russia now awaits for the American in round two.