NEWPORT, Rhode Island (AP) Sam Groth saved a match point before beating American qualifier Austin Krajicek 6-7 (3), 7-6 (2), 6-3 on Tuesday and setting up what should be a big-serving duel against top-seeded John Isner, a two-time champion at the Hall of Fame tournament.
Groth had 23 aces and 13 double faults in his tournament opener, while Isner had a bye into the second round.
Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden beat two-time champion Rajeev Ram 6-1, 6-4 to move into a second-round match against sixth-seeded Lukas Lacko, who beat Reilly Opelka 7-6 (7), 6-4.
Konstantin Kravchuk and Frank Dancevic each upset a seeded opponent in the first round of the grass court competition.