Karlovic beats 2015 finalist Johnson in 2 sets in Vienna

Posted October 24, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

VIENNA (AP) - Ivo Karlovic hit 16 aces to beat last year's runner-up Steve Johnson 7-6 (5), 6-3 Monday on the opening day of the Erste Bank Open.

The eighth-seeded Croat saved six break points as he held serve throughout and converted the only chance he got on the American's serve at 3-2 in the second set.

Karlovic next plays qualifier Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who defeated the 43rd-ranked Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-3, 5-7, 6-0.

Also, John Isner held off all seven break points against his serve as he rallied to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4.

Karen Khachanov beat Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-4 to set up a match against second-seeded Tomas Berdych or Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia.

Andy Murray is the top-seeded player at the Austrian indoor event.

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