Roddick kept some of his feelings under wraps regarding the days after the defeat, when he suddenly found a hip flexor injury that has kept him on the sidelines for the last four weeks, including Davis Cup action the week after Wimbledon.

But his focus is looking forward to the start of the US Open -- his only Grand Slam title in 2003.

'I have a hard time looking too far ahead. And I don't sit around crying in my Cheerios about losses, either,' Roddick said.

'I have confidence going into the Open from being able to navigate a major event like Wimbledon. That can only help on a short-term basis. Noting is guaranteed, but I'd love nothing better than to go on another (winning) run.'

Hewitt will next play Israeli Dudi Sela in the second round. The 28-year-old Australian, ranked 42nd, claimed the 27th title of a career that includes US Open and Wimbledon titles by winning on clay four months ago in Houston.

Elsewhere, Canadian Frank Dancevic, heading for the top 100 again after a final against Sam Querrey last month in Indianapolis, Indiana, defeated Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 6-4, 6-3, while Russian Mikhail Youzhny beat US player Robert Kendrick 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.