Monaco Conquers Querrey In Houston

Former champion Juan Monaco knocked out fifth seed Sam Querrey to kick off quarter-final action on Friday at the Fayez Sarofim & Co US Men’s Clay Court Championship. The 32-year-old Argentine won 6-4, 6-4 to improve his record against the American to 5-1.

The Tandil native, who previously hoisted the trophy in Houston in 2012 (d. Isner), survived six aces from his opponent and saved all three break points faced to reach the semi-finals in 74 minutes. He next faces the winner of third seed Feliciano Lopez and Tim Smyczek.

In action later, top seed John Isner takes on NextGen’s Hyeon Chung and Jack Sock continues his title defence against seventh seed Marcos Baghdatis.

Did You Know?

At least one American has reached the quarter-finals every year since the US Men’s Clay Court Championships relocated to Houston in 2001. This is the fifth year that four or more Americans have reached the last eight in Houston, but just the second time since 2001 that Americans are in contention for all four semi-final berths (also 2003).