Stan Wawrinka early casualty in Rome, but good day for Americans

Shahida Jacobs

Stan Wawrinka’s comeback was a short one as he lost in the first round of the Italian Open, but three Americans advanced.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka was playing his first match since February, but he lost in the opening round against Steve Johnson from the United States.

Johnson secured a routine 6-4, 6-4 victory with one break of serve in each set enough to earn him the win and a second-round clash against either compatriot Jared Donaldson or 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

Thirteenth seed Jack Sock also advanced as he beat veteran Spaniard David Ferrer 6-3, 6-4 while Ryan Harrison was the third American to secure a ticket to round two as he was a 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 winner over Yuichi Sugita from Japan.

Harrison’s reward is an encounter against fourth-seeded Marin Cilic.

Wildcard Lorenzo Sonego caused the biggest upset of the day as the Italian beat Adrian Mannarino from France 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 and he will face Peter Gojowczyk next after the German overcame 12th seed Sam Querrey 6-2, 7-6 (9-7).

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