Sam Groth and Sam Querrey secured contrasting wins

Big-serving Australian Sam Groth and American Sam Querrey secured contrasting victories on the opening day of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston on Monday.

While the former fired 17 aces to get past Victor Estrella Burgos 7-6 6-4, the latter was providential to move on without frittering away sweat, as his opponent Marinko Matosevic was forced to retire with a left foot injury at 1-4 in the first set.

Groth, who interestingly pulled off his first ever triumph on clay, was ecstatic after his maiden win on red dirt.

“I’m not known for getting on clay too often, but I think I played pretty well out there,” the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by the ATP World Tour. “I feel like I’m serving well, and it bounces a lot higher than a hard court.”

ATP Houston – 1^st Round Results

S Groth d. V Burgos (7-6 6-4)

(8) S Querrey d. M Matosevic (4-1 ret.)

G Soeda d. L Hewitt (4-6 7-6 6-3)

F Delbonis d. R Berankis (6-2 7-6)