The 2014 season has lurched from disappointment to disappointment for American No. 2 Sam Querrey.  Although he reached the third round of the Australian Open, he had lost four straight matches heading into the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach.  There, Querrey squared off against Spanish lefty Feliciano Lopez in the first round on Monday.

Although Lopez ranked higher than Querrey, the task did not seem impossible for the American.  He wields a massive serve, while the Spaniard is hardly a fierce returner, so a series of smooth service holds seemed likely.  It did not turn out that way.  Querrey struggled on serve for much of the match, maintaining a first-serve percentage barely above 50% with only seven aces as he faced 14 break points.

But that theme did not define the first set, decided by an untimely lapse from Lopez.  A dismal service game at 4-5 concluded with a double fault that handed the set to Querrey.  The American could not capitalize on his momentum, however, struggling on serve from the outset of the second set.  Granted a respite to collect himself, Lopez turned the tide in the blink of an eye.  He would lose just five games over the second and third sets, not facing a break point and losing six total points on his serve. 

The veteran Spaniard deserved credit for reversing his fortunes so radically, especially on serve.  Still, this loss continued an ominous trend for Querrey in 2014.  He has played just 10 matches this year, but already he has suffered five defeats after winning the first set.  That trend suggests a player lacking in confidence, as did his collapse against world No. 175 James Ward in Davis Cup two weeks ago.  Querrey will hope that his rhythm and spirits revive during a crucial month of March with Masters1000 tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami.

Another American featured at Delray Beach on Monday, wildcard Jack Sock, exited the tournament sooner than he would have wished.  Sock had defeated French shot-maker Adrian Mannarino in Memphis a week ago, where his advantage in first-strike power reaped rewards.  Transitioning from an indoor hard court to a slower outdoor hard court reduced that edge.  Mannarino used his superior athleticism and consistency to avenge his Memphis loss by dismissing Sock in two routine sets.

Brighter tidings emerged from the American men who completed their qualifying matches on Monday.  Although Robby Ginepri fell at the final hurdle, a trio of home hopes reached the main draw.  Perhaps Wayne Odesnik, Steve Johnson, or Rhyne Williams will compensate for the setbacks to Querrey and Sock with a memorable victory in Delray Beach.