Karlovic powers through in Newport opener, Sandgren, Sock advance

It was an action-filled day at the Hall of Fame Open on Tuesday, featuring a slew of stars including the towering Ivo Karlovic and Americans Tennys Sandgren and Jack Sock.

Having lifted the title in 2016, Karlovic had to rally from a set down to overcome Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles in three sets. The 42-year old Croatian hit 24 aces and saved all six break points faced, prevailing with a 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4 victory. Karlovic will face top seed Alexander Bublik in the next round, with the two never having met on the ATP Tour.

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Fifth seed Tennys Sandgren defeated Portuguese journeyman Joao Sousa, securing a 6-4 7-6(3) victory after 90 minutes of play. Joining Sandgren in the sext round is compatriot Jack Sock, who struggled in the first set but eventually overcame qualifier Alex Bolt. Receiving a wildcard entry to the event, Sock fought past the Australian to secure a 3-6 6-4 6-3 win.

In other first round action, American Maxime Cressy pulled off a 6-1 6-2 victory over Italian veteran Paolo Lorenzi. German Peter Gojowczyk also advanced to the next round, cruising past American qualifier Mitchell Krueger 6-2 6-2 after just over an hour.