NICE, France — American players Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey each won in straight sets Monday to reach the second round of the Open de Nice clay-court tournament.
Johnson had 11 aces and did not face a break point in a 7-5, 6-3 win over qualifier Michael Venus, while Querrey used seven aces and saved the only break point he faced in a 6-2, 6-3 win over Ruben Bemelmans.
Johnson will next face second-seeded John Isner in an all-American matchup. Querrey will face eighth-seeded Juan Monaco.
Also, 18-year-old Borna Coric of Croatia beat qualifier Sam Groth of Australia 7-5, 6-3, and Dominic Thiem of Austria defeated Victor Estrella Burgos of the Dominican Republic 7-6 (5), 6-2.