Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Defending champion Fernando Verdasco and fifth-seeded Colombian Santiago Giraldo were opening-round winners Tuesday at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship.
Verdasco, seeded sixth, took the first set against Paolo Lorenzi 6-3 and was leading the second set 4-3 when his Italian opponent retired with an injury.
Giraldo drilled qualifier and fellow South American Rogerio Dutra Silva of Brazil 6-2, 6-2 at River Oaks Country Club.
Another seed moved on when No. 7 Jeremy Chardy of France handled Serb Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 6-4.
Meanwhile, an all-American affair saw two-time NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson defeat left-hander Donald Young 7-5, 6-4.
The home-court advantage didn't help Tim Smyczek, who was beaten 6-3, 6-3 by Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Also advancing were American Jack Sock, Korean qualifier Hyeon Chung and Serbian wild card Janko Tipsarevic. Tipsarevic edged Brazilian qualifier in a third-set tiebreaker in his first singles match following an 18-month break. He underwent two surgeries to treat a fibromatosis in his left foot.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.