Croat Karlovic reaches second round in Houston

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

HOUSTON, United States (AFP) — Croat Ivo Karlovic continued his mastery over Benjamin Becker with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) victory in the first round of the US Clay Court Championship on Monday.

In their only other career meeting, Karlovic also registered a straight sets win over sixth-seeded Becker in the semi-finals of the recent San Jose tournament.

Americans Andy Roddick and James Blake will be hoping to avoid an upset like Becker when they play their first matches.

Roddick and Blake helped the United States score an important victory in the Davis Cup over the weekend.

The Americans highlight the 32-player draw at this week's 416,000 dollar event.

The world's third-ranked player, Roddick beat Fernando Verdasco on Friday to kick off a dominant...