Melzer exits Memphis
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Defending champion Jurgen Melzer came up an opening-round loser Tuesday at the $1.212 million U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships.
The veteran Austrian left-hander succumbed to Dutchman Igor Sijsling 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) at The Racquet Club of Memphis. Sijsling is rewarded with a second-round match against top-seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia.
Melzer beat Canadian slugger Milos Raonic in last year's finale here.
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Wild card and veteran American crowd favorite James Blake landed in the win column by beating capable German Florian Mayer 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Blake was a Memphis runner-up 11 years ago.
Also on Tuesday, American journeyman and lucky loser Michael Russell topped Russian qualifier Alex Bogomolov Jr. 6-2, 6-4.
The 2013 Memphis champ will claim $291,800.