Tennis-Nadal made to sweat by Nishioka, Djokovic has it easy

Tennis - ATP Cup - RAC Arena, Perth, Australia - January 8, 2020 Spain's Rafael Nadal in action during his Group B singles match against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka REUTERS/Ciro De Luca

SYDNEY (Reuters) - World number one Rafael Nadal won a battle of attrition against fellow left-hander Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan 7-6(4) 6-4 to seal Spain's spot in the final eight of the inaugural ATP Cup in Perth on Wednesday.

Meanwhile his long-time rival, world number two Novak Djokovic, had an easier outing in Brisbane, strolling past Chile's Cristian Garin 6-3 6-3 to stay undefeated in the new year and to ensure Serbia will travel to Sydney for the knockouts having won all three of their ties.