The US Men’s Claycourt Championships this week won’t be seeing much singles action from the tournament’s top two seeds after both were bundled out in their first round matches.
Top seed James Blake, last year’s runner up, was beated by world no. 113 Argentinian player Guillermo Canas in two sets (6-4, 6-4). Canas, despite his low ranking, is a notable claycourt player with claycourt match record of 119-80.
“This year has been a tough start. I haven’t played well for the past two months. Now, for me, I hope to continue on with the tournament,” Canas said, referring to his six consecutive first round defeats this year.
Earlier in the day, world no. 77 Bjorn Phau beat second seed Mardy Fish in three sets (6-3, 5-7, 6-3).
Other notable first round winners include Tommy Haas and former world number one Lleyton Hewitt.
The winner of this tournament will receive $79,000 plus 250 ranking points. Last year’s champion was Marcel Granollers of Spain.
