Bogomolov Jr. shines on Newport’s grass courts despite unexpected attention

NEWPORT, R.I. — Alex Bogomolov Jr. unexpectedly found himself in the spotlight at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Wednesday, upsetting fifth-seeded Arnaud Clement of France 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the rain-hampered event.

Playing in the one of the few mid-afternoon matches, Bogomolov beat Clement in front of an unusually large crowd on a side court.

Heavy rain halted the only three matches that were played Tuesday. Despite bright sunshine, center court and one of the two side courts were still soggy Wednesday. Officials were uncertain when the grounds crew could get center court in playable condition.

Three of the matches scheduled for one of the side courts were postponed.

In other opening-round matches, Nicholas Mahut of France beat American Amer Delic 6-4, 6-4, while sixth-seeded Philipp Petzschner of Germany defeated Horacio Zeballos of Argentina 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2 in match that started Tuesday.

With fans two and three rows deep standing behind one of the baselines, 180th-ranked Bogomolov won his first ATP tour match since beating Sam Querrey in the second round of Miami in March 2006.

“I don’t know how to prepare for that,” Bogomolov said of the unexpected crowd. “I don’t know why it didn’t bother me like it did him.”

Bogomolov, who was born in Moscow but now lives in Miami, broke Clement’s serve in the ninth game of the final set to take control.

He had left wrist surgery in March and lost four Challenger events this year.

“Tennis is tough,” Bogomolov said with a smile. “I come back and lose four Challenger events, go to Wimbledon and lose in the first round and come here and beat the 59th player in the world.”