Top-seeded Nicolas Almagro beats Gael Monfils in US Men's Clay Court

HOUSTON – Top-seeded Nicolas Almagro of Spain overcame a slow start to beat Gael Monfils of France 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 on Thursday in the second round of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships.

Second-seeded Tommy Haas of Germany faced Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania in a later second-round match.

Fourth-seeded Sam Querry, the top ranked American at No. 20 in the world, withdrew before his match against Rhyne Williams because of a strained right pectoral muscle. Fifth-seeded John Isner beat fellow American Jack Sock 7-5, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3).