Shocking news from Houston. It must have been the air of his home city that gave the extra boost to Russel. To be honest nobody would have expected the 33 years old from Houston to beat the top American player, but he did it and in real style.
It looked also a stroll in the park (lasted only 1h and 14) where in truth Mardy did not play a great tennis, but it is Russell now to play in the second round against another fellow countryman: Ryan Harrison.
Ryan had also an easy one with Igor Kunitsyn in 1h and 11m to win a quick 6-2 6-4.
Another American Ryan had a fine day against another fellow countryman. Last year Champion Ryan Sweeting had an onther easy one with Bobby Reynolds also in 1h and 11m.
Big John Isner had a tricky life with world nr. 117 Horacio Zeballos to win 6-7 (3) 6-4 6-2 in more than 2 hours.
Kevin Kennerson defeated Sam Querrey in an epic 3 sets 7-6 (3) 3-6 7-6 (2).
Monaco breezed past Tatsuma Ito 6-3 6-3
