It is safe to say that 2018 has not made great reading for American men so far. Many of the USA’s star players suffered early exits at the Australian Open including John Isner, Jack Sock, Steve Johnson, and Sam Querrey. Querrey had at least found some form by reaching the final in New York, but no American man has won a title so far this season.
Tuesday brought some good form and good news for the home players. American men went 4-1 in first round play on the second day. The only loss saw Ryan Harrison lose to fellow American Reilly Opelka 7-6, 7-6. Opelka hit 15 aces against the Brisbane finalist. Opelka sets up an encounter with the highest ranked American and the top seed this week Jack Sock.
John Isner was handed a quick opportunity to atone for his loss to Radu Albot in New York last week. The Moldovan had shocked the favoured American. Isner took the chance, though he was forced to work hard for it, eventually winning 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Steve Johnson recorded just his second tour level win of the season, and his first this year against a member of the ATP Top 100. He defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 6-4.
Jared Donaldson was not favoured to defeat the seeded Adrian Mannarino. However, the Frenchman was forced to withdraw late with a hip injury. Peter Polansky moved up as a lucky loser. Donaldson booked a place in the last 16 with a 7-6, 6-1 win.
Milos Raonic got his campaign off to a strong start. Last year’s finalist, the Canadian defeated Taro Daniel 6-1, 7-5 and will face Steve Johnson in the second round. Elsewhere, there were wins for Peter Gojowczyk, Evgeny Donskoy, and Franko Skugor.
The evening session sees Sam Querrey take on young fellow American Taylor Fritz, before Jeremy Chardy does battle with another former champion, Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro.
