Nishikori cruises into Wimbledon second round

London - Kei Nishikori started his bid to finally make a strong run at Wimbledon with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 first round victory over Australia's Sam Groth on Monday.

Nishikori pulled out of Wimbledon last year due to a leg injury and it remains the only Grand Slam where the Japanese star has failed to reach at least the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old's wretched record of one last 16 appearance in seven attempts is a stark contrast to his impressive form on the other surfaces, which includes finishing as US Open runner-up in 2014.

But fifth seed Nishikori, recovered from the rib injury that forced him to withdraw from the recent Halle tournament, looks in the mood to enjoy a run to the latter stages after sweeping aside Groth to set up a second round clash with France's Julien Benneteau.