Kyrgios wins in Shanghai first round

Nick Kyrgios has enjoyed a straightforward opening to his Shanghai Masters campaign but things quickly get harder with a match against Kei Nishikori next.

Nick Kyrgios has enjoyed a straightforward opening to his Shanghai Masters. (AAP)

Nick Kyrgios has brushed aside more recent controversy to register a regulation first round win at the Shanghai Masters.

The 20 year-old had a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer in one hour and four minutes.

Kyrgios found himself in more hot water last week when he was issued a code violation in his quarter-final loss at the Japan Open for hitting a ball into the ceiling.

Television broadcaster ESPN also had to apologise as his swearing became audible on the televised match against Frenchman Benoit Paire.

But any issues seemed a distant memory on Monday as Kyrgios charged into the second round for a clash with sixth seed Kei Nishikori who enjoyed an opening round bye.

Kyrgios moved up two spots to No.32 in this week's ATP rankings and with no more points to defend for the rest of the season he'll be keen to boost his position even higher.

A ranking in the top 32 for the season-opening grand slam in Melbourne in January ensures the Canberran avoids seeded players for at least the first two rounds.