Kei Nishikori survives opener at Indian Wells

(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

Japan's Kei Nishikori overcame physical struggles in the third set before pulling out a 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (3) win over Spain's Jaume Munar in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday in Indian Wells, Calif.

Nishikori was slowed by a leg ailment late in the match, then also experienced cramps. Even so, he was able to outlast Munar for the win in just under three