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
-
NewsBarbora Krejcikova ends Coco Gauff’s French Open hopes to reach semi-finals
Gauff was unable to take any of five set points in the opening set and lost 7-6 (6) 6-3.
-
NewsStefanos Tsitsipas sees off Daniil Medvedev to reach French Open semi-finals
The story of the 10th day of action at Roland Garros.
-
NewsStefanos Tsitsipas edges through to last four at French Open
The Greek fifth seed settled quickly in the late match against Daniil Medvedev on an empty Philippe Chatrier.
-
NewsAlexander Zverev reaches French Open semi-final, but admits ‘I think I can play better’
World No 6 stepped up a gear in the second set.
-
NewsAnastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s dream run continues as she sets up French Open semi-final with Tamara Zidansek
The Russian prevailed in her seventh Slam quarter-final.
-
News‘I feel very grateful,’ says Johanna Konta after kicking off grass-court campaign at Nottingham
British No 1 beat Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove in Nottingham.
-
NewsJudy Murray determined to grow grassroots tennis across Scotland
The mother of Andy and Jamie has launched a new tennis resource for schools.
-
NewsSimona Halep ‘excited’ about grass-court return ahead of Wimbledon
Simona Halep tore a calf muscle during a match in Rome.
-
NewsSlovenia’s Tamara Zidansek overcomes Paula Badosa to reach French Open last four
Tamara Zidansek into maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
-
French OpenBoris Becker criticises Lorenzo Musetti’s decision to throw in towel after Italian admits ‘I was not injured’
“You have to be ready physically and mentally,” says Boris Becker.