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Nick Kyrgios battles back, takes opener in Houston

By Harry Floyd

KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia plays a backhand against Alexander Zverev of Germany in their fourth round match during the Miami Open Presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 27, 2018 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 27: Nick Kyrgios of Australia plays a backhand against Alexander Zverev of Germany in their fourth round match during the Miami Open Presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 27, 2018 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Nick Kyrgios battles back to win his opening round match at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. He is the fourth seed this week.

Taking down American tennis player Bjorn Fratangelo in the round of 32, Nick Kyrgios advances at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. Coming into play as the tournament’s fourth seed, Kyrgios has high hopes for his run in Houston. The young Australian tennis star is off to an impressive start so far on the 2018 ATP World Tour.

Kyrgios already has a title-win from earlier in the year and is currently in the world No. 24 position. His career high ranking is No. 13. A solid year could catapult him back toward career bests.

While the young Australian is off to a fine start at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, others aren’t so lucky. Second seeded American Sam Querrey sees an unexpected upset in his opener. Facing Guido Pella of Argentina, Querrey falls in three sets. Both set two and three were hard fought but it’s Querrey who is ousted in the match. He is a former runner-up at the event and was aiming for another deep run in Houston this week. He will have to bounce back in the coming weeks if he hopes to remain close to the ATP Top 10. Querrey is the current world No. 14 in men’s singles tennis. Last year, the American won two ATP singles titles.

Top seeded John Isner is in action on Thursday in Houston.

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Isner is the 2013 champion in men’s singles at the tournament. He is coming off of a title in Miami and looks to continue his newfound success this week in Houston. As the top seed this week, he takes on Henri Laaksonen of Switzerland first. The two square off on Thursday at the tournament. Also in action is third seeded Jack Sock. He too is a former champion at the event and will look to have a deep run. Sock is off to a slow start on the 2018 ATP World Tour and needs a strong performance in Houston this week. Check back to see how far Nick Kyrgios, Isner, and Sock advance at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships.

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