Johnson, Smyczek conquer sailing challenge in Newport

American players Steve Johnson and Tim Smyczek hit the seas at Sail Newport ahead of the Dell Tech Hall of Fame Open, and much fun was had by both.

"Thankfully, we both had good teachers out there to show us the ropes, and we both made it back safely to land, which is the most important part," Johnson said.

Sail Newport is a beneficiary of the tournament's Aces for Rhode Island initiative, in which fans pledge money to local non-profits based on the number of aces players hit. So far, the Ace Count is 148 and rising.

Both Smyczek and Johnson are into the quarterfinals in Newport, a grass-court ATP 250 nestled in picturesque Rhode Island.

(Photo by Kate Whitney Lucey)

Smyczek, having defeated No. 4 seed Matthew Ebden, faces Jason Jung on Thursday. Johnson takes on Dudi Sela on Friday.

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