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Sam Querrey eases through 2018 Australian Open first round

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Sam Querrey of the United States plays a forehand in his first round match against Feliciano Lopez of Spain on day two of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Sam Querrey of the United States plays a forehand in his first round match against Feliciano Lopez of Spain on day two of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
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Sam Querrey is keeping hope alive for the Americans at the 2018 Australian Open. He wins his opening round match in straight sets.

Sam Querrey is the 13th seed at this year’s Australian open.

The American takes down Spanish tennis veteran Feliciano López in straight sets during their opening round match. Feliciano had previously reached the fourth round of play twice at Melbourne Park. Querrey’s win comes after both Americans Jack Sock and John Isner fell during their openers this weekend.

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Querrey takes the opening round match with Lopez, winning 6-3 6-4 6-2. He is coming off of a strong 2017 ATP World Tour. Currently ranked the world No. 13 in men’s singles tennis, Querrey could be the USA’s best chance at a champion. Even on the women’s side this year, both Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens have already exited the Australian Open.

Sam Querrey faces Márton Fucsovics of Hungary next.

The Hungarian tennis player is in the second round of play at Melbourne Park for just the first time in his career. He will need to be at his best against Querrey.

Fucsovics is the current world No. 80 on the ATP World Tour. The 25-year-old remains in search of his first ever title win on the tour. Look for Querrey to be a heavy favorite, especially coming off of his straight set victory over Lopez. Several other unseeded American men remain in action at Melbourne Park. Querrey, however, has the veteran experience necessary to continue deep into the major tournament.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

Last year, Sam Querrey reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and then saw a quarterfinals appearance at the US Open. Known for being a strong server, the American can take control of a match from the start. Elsewhere, top seeded Rafael Nadal is already into the second round of play. Dropping just one game per set, he wins his opener convincingly in three sets. Nadal is the 2017 runner-up, dropping the finals match to Swiss great Roger Federer. Stay tuned to see how all of the early round action unfolds at the this year’s Australian Open.

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