The Albany Gazette - Top Americans tumble out at Miami Open

Three of the top four ranked USA players were eliminated during Saturday's opening session with Francis Tiafoe also eliminated and Tommy Paul retiring hurt.

Wearing the bright yellow of Brazil, Seyboth Wild, ranked 76th in the world and cheered on by loud support from his compatriots on stadium court, produced some impressive winners and some flamboyant shots on his way to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 12th-seeded Fritz.

"I played a really solid match today, I barely missed," said Seyboth Wild after his win.

"It was exactly the plan with my coach before the match. I held up pretty well on the backhand and used my forehand to win the match," he added.

Fritz's early departure came shortly after his compatriot Tiafoe went out to another lower-ranked player in Australian Christopher O'Connell.

O'Connell, battled to a 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) win over the 21st-seeded Tiafoe after play began following a three-hour rain delay.

Paul had to retire with an ankle injury in his game against fellow American, wild card Martin Damm. Paul had won the first set 6-4 and was 2-1 down in the second when he abandoned.

There was better news for the USA in the WTA event, with Jessica Pegula advancing to the third round after her opponent Zhu Lin had to retire ill while trailing 6-4, 4-1. in the second set.

Rain on Friday had led to the cancellation of the bulk of the scheduled games meaning a packed schedule later on Saturday with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev on action on the men's side and the top two ranked women, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, also on court.

(Y.Harris--TAG)