Defending champ Steve Johnson battles into Houston second round

Defending champion Steve Johnson had his work cut out for him during his opening match at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship.
The American found himself two points away from defeat against Ernesto Escobedo before bouncing back to win 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes in Houston.
“He’s definitely a good frontrunner. He hits the ball very hard. He kind of takes the racquet out of your hands,” Johnson said.
“Later stages of that tie-break in the second, I just needed to take it to him, make sure, win or lose, I did it on my terms, and I was able to finally get a break of serve in the third.”
Johnson will face his compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the next round.
Fellow American Ryan Harrison had an easier encounter as he beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-3 to secure an encounter against Taylor Fritz, who overcame Tim Smyczek 6-7(3-7), 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) in two hours and 39 minutes.
Former champion Ivo Karlovic also advanced as he beat Taro Daniel 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
“It is always nice here. I’ve always liked it. It’s a really nice club,” Karlovic said. “It was a really good match. It is actually my first win as a 39-year-old, so I’m happy about that.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek feels Roger Federer’s influence at On
Iga Swiatek said Roger Federer’s endorsement is all On need to crack tennis.
-
WTA Tour
Bianca Andreescu topples Emma Raducanu in Miami Open ding-dong
Bianca Andreescu won a thrilling clash with Emma Raducanu that could have gone either way.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas blames ATP Tour ball changes for injury, calls for rule review
Stefanos Tsitsipas says his shoulder injury is from hitting the new, heavier balls.
-
News
Iga Swiatek pulls out of Miami Open and BJK Cup with injury
The world number one was due to play American Claire Liu in the second round of the tournament on Thursday after receiving a bye.
-
ATP Tour
ATP announces return of Chinese events for the 2024 season
The 2024 ATP Tour season calendar has been announced.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz keen to steer clear of Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic GOAT debate as he eyes his own legacy
Carlos Alcaraz wants to write his own history and create his own legacy.
-
WTA Tour
Are Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina women’s tennis’ big three?
Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina have the makings of a new big three.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka reveals baby bump for the first time on social media
Naomi Osaka and her baby bump out and about in Japan.
-
News
Iga Swiatek leads stunning Stuttgart field as Porsche brand ambassador Emma Raducanu gets wildcard
Top-class field set for Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.