Of the eight Americans in action Tuesday in Australia, the biggest disappointment was Sam Querrey’s loss to Rainer Schuettler, the aging German who keeps winning big matches.  Wild card Ryan Harrison, 17, also fell, losing in four sets to Janko Tipsarevic.  Other Americans to fall were Rajeev Ram and Robby Ginepri.

On the up side, John Isner hung on for a tough win, and Donald Young, who was forced to qualify, lost the first set badly but came back to win in four.  He very much needed the win, and faces Lleyton Hewit next.  Taylor Dent also won easily.  James Blake beat Arnaud Clement in three sets, and was striking his backhand solidly for passing shot after passing shot.

Of the 12 Americans in the main draw, six have moved on to the second round. The most interesting match On Wednesday in Melbourne sees Blake against No. 4 seed Juan Martin Del Potro.  Roddick, who has a good draw, goes up against Brazlian Tomaz Belluci.

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