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USC’s Johnson loses while other Americans fare well in first round of Farmers Classic

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Three Americans played opening-round matches Tuesday at the Farmers Classic, and two advanced to the second round.

USC junior Steve Johnson was the only American to lose in the early-day matches. Johnson had won three qualifying matches to enter his first ATP tour event main draw, Tuesday’s match against fellow qualifier Steve Devvarman.

Johnson took an early 4-1 lead in the first set, but Devvarman won the next five games to take the set, 6-4. In the second set, with the score 5-4 in his opponent’s favor, Johnson fought off six straight match points before Devvarman converted, once again winning, 6-4.

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‘That was a crazy last game,’ Johnson said. ‘I had a couple of break points and just didn’t capitalize on them, which is kind of a bummer.’

Ryan Sweeting of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defeated Kristof Vliegen, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, to begin the day at UCLA. Robby Ginepri, of Marietta, Ga., followed with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Ilija Bozoljac.

Americans James Blake, Sam Querrey and Tim Smyczek will play later Tuesday. Blake’s match against Leonardo Mayer is Tuesday’s featured singles match, and his doubles match with partner Querrey is featured as well.

-- Laura Myers

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