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Houston - Hewitt, Haas and Granollers through to round two
4/8/09 12:21 AM | Kelli DeMario
Defending champion Marcel Granollers joins veterans Lleyton Hewitt and Tommy Haas in the second round of the US Clay Court Championships on Tuesday.
Tommy Haas def. Denis Gremelmayr 6-3, 6-3
German wildcard Tommy Haas survived a 0-3 hole in the first set, defeating compatriot Denis Gremelmayr in straight sets early Tuesday. The former World No. 2 cashed in five of 10 break-point opportunities in the 81-minute contest. Haas, who won a solid 11 of 14 first-serve points, cleaned up his performance in set two, facing just a single break point. The 31-year-old will face defending champion Marcel Granollers in the second round.
Marcel Granollers def. Brian Dabul 2-6, 6-4, 6-1
Sixth seed and defending champion Marcel Granollers overcame a poor start, rallying from a set and a break down in his opening-round match on Tuesday. The Spaniard battled for two hours before dismissing Argentine Brian Dabul in three sets. Granollers took control in the second set, converting his second break chance to reach 3-3. The Spaniard earned three break points at 2-1 in set three, eventually closing out the set behind two breaks of serve.
Lleyton Hewitt def. Diego Junqueira 6-0, 6-2
Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt made a blazing start in his opening round match up on Tuesday, handing Argentine Diego Junqueira a first-set bagel in 28 minutes. The Australian enjoyed a near-perfect serving day, securing 91% of his first serve points. Junqueira surrendered serve midway through the second set, giving Hewitt a critical break at 3-2. Hewitt, who broke serve five times in total, went on to pocket an insurance break to lead 5-2, snagging the match in just over an hour. The Australian will take to the court against Argentine Sergio Roitman in the second round.