The disappointing showing from American men in the Australian Open men’s singles continued as 13th seed Sam Querrey was beaten 6-4, 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 in the second round by World No.80 Marton Fucsovics.
There had been hope that Querrey, after the first round exits of Jack Sock and John Isner, could carry US hopes as he had done so well at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. Expectations would have increased, as Querrey’s scheduled third round seed opponent, Milos Raonic, had lost in the first round to Lukas Lacko.
However, on a bright sunny, and hot day in Melbourne, it was the Hungarian who reached his career best run at a Grand Slam.
Querrey’s serve was not nearly as potent as in his first round match vs Feliciano Lopez. The American dropped serve in game seven, and was left frustrated as Fucsovics retrieved a 0-30 situation when serving for the set for the lead.
Querrey won four of the first five games in the second, as he looked to come back. However, He was broken when serving for the set. He then double-faulted at a crucial point in the tie break, leaving Fucsovics to serve out with ease.
Querrey made some amends by winning the 3rd set, but the troubles continued in the 4th. He was broken in the 4th game and then lost serve when trying to stay in the match as Fucsovics claimed a famous win.
Fucsovics will face Argentina’s Nicolas Kicker, who knocked out Milos Raonic’s conqueror Lukas Lacko 6-2, 7-5, 1-6, 7-5. One of that pair will reach the 4th round of a grand slam for the first time.
Tim Smyczek was another American to go out. However, he had the tough luck to face 21st seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The Spaniard edged a tight first set before running away with the second. The left-hander was forced to save set points in the 3rd before winning 6-4, 6-2, 7-6. Ramos-Vinolas will face either six-time former champion Novak Djokovic, or Gael Monfils in the next round.
