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Mannarino advances in Newport

Newport - Sixth-seeded Adrian Mannarino of France rallied past James Duckworth of Australia 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) to advance to the second round of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Mannarino was the only seeded player in action and voiced his displeasure over playing on a side court and the condition of Newport's grass surface.

"I feel relieved that I won the match, but still I didn't enjoy any minute on the court," he said. "The court is just ridiculously bad. We're playing (next to) the other court. You've got the camera, the microphone on the court. You can't really move. This is really not respectful for the players to come, that kind of court."

Qualifier Frank Dancevic of Canada beat American Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-4 on center court in a match that ended a few minutes after Mannarino's victory.

Mannarino went up 5-2 after breaking serve in the seventh game of final set, but struggled and became visibly upset, yelling at himself when he hit a lob long to close the eighth game.

The tourney is held on the grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and fans can get an up-close look at play on the side courts. Spectators stand about 20 feet beyond both baselines, behind a fence that's approximately three-feet high, with a mesh netting attached.

Mannarino said it's difficult for players to see shots, especially with bad bounces.

"We don't see the ball," he said. "We don't see anything because you've got all the people behind the court."

Mannarino closed the two and a half hour match with an ace. He is hoping to play on the main court in his next match.

"I'm seeded here so hopefully my second match will be on the center court," he said.

A message was left seeking comment from the Hall of Fame about Mannarino's criticism.

The 24-year-old Harrison lost in the first round for the fourth straight match this season.

"It's been a disappointing year," he said.

Projected as one of a rising group of young Americans a few years ago, Harrison reached 43rd in the world in 2012. He entered this week 158th.

"It's frustrating," he said. "The beautiful thing is I'm 24 and I've got time to figure this out."

Also Tuesday, wild card Stefan Kozlov beat Benjamin Becker, 6-1, 6-2; qualifier Brian Baker outlasted fellow American Austin Krajicek, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2; and John-Patrick Smith ousted Jordan Thompson, 6-4, 6-4. Marco Chiudinelli edged Alex Kuznetsov, 6-4, 7-6 (6), Sam Groth beat Michal Przysienzny, 7-6 (2), 6-4; and Yuichi Sugita defeated Amir Weintraub, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

First round ATP Tour's Hall of Fame Tennis Championship results on Tuesday (x denotes seeding):

Stefan Kozlov (USA) beat Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-1, 6-2

Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) beat Alex Kuznetsov (USA) 6-4, 7-6 (8/6)

John-Patrick Smith (AUS) beat Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-4, 6-4

Yuichi Sugita (JPN) beat Amir Weintraub (ISR) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

Adrian Mannarino (FRA x6) beat James Duckworth (AUS) 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4)

Brian Baker (USA) beat Austin Krajicek (USA) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2

Frank Dancevic (CAN) beat Ryan Harrison (USA) 6-4, 6-4

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