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.

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.