Aussie Barton beaten in Houston tennis

Australian qualifier Matthew Barton has lost his round-of-16 tennis match against Jack Sock at the US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

Matthew Barton has been eliminated in the round-of-16 at the US Men's Clay Court Championship. (AAP)

Australian qualifier Matthew Barton has been eliminated in the round-of-16 at the US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

The 24-year-old was beaten by world No.25 American Jack Sock 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in an hour and 15 minutes.

After taking just four points off the American's serve in the first set and being broken three times, the Australian bounced back to push him to a tiebreaker in a second set in which the pair traded breaks.

Sock will now go on to face the winner of Fernando Verdasco and Marcos Baghdatis. World No.270 Barton was the only Australian in the main draw.