LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Kentucky standout Jesse Witten will make his season debut in a main draw tournament of the ATP tour Tuesday when he competes in the U.S. Men?s Clay Court Championships in Houston, Texas. UK?s only four-time singles All-American will take on 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis in the first round of the Championships.

Witten qualified for the Championships for winning the 2006 Grand Slam Men?s Futures and the 2005 Ecuador Futures titles. The Naples, Fla., native currently owns a world ranking of 213.

The U.S Men?s Clay Courts Championships began today with first round action of the 32-person draw. The field is playing for a $380,000 prize. Along with fourth-seeded Baghdatis, the field includes top-seeded Andy Roddick, No. 2 James Blake and No. 3 Robby Ginepri. The Championships will run through April 16.