Croatian Karlovic advances
Former winner Ivo Karlovic continued his domination over German
Benjamin Becker, winning 7-5 (7/5), 6-4 in the first round of the US
Men's Clay Court Championship on Tuesday.
Qualifier Karlovic now has six victories and no losses against
Becker. He also beat Becker en route to the Houston title four years
ago.
"It was humid in the beginning and I had to adjust a little bit but
it was good," said Karlovic, who is on the mend from an Achilles'
injury.
Sixth seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan advanced by beating Croatian
qualifier Franco Skugor 6-3, 6-2, and American Ryan Sweeting rolled over
Tim Smyczek 6-2, 6-2.
First seed Mardy Fish won't play his first match until Thursday. Fish
is the top-ranked American male for the first time in his career after
vaulting past Andy Roddick. HOUSTON, AFP
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