South African tennis star eyes big upset

South Africa’s top-ranked tennis player, Lloyd Harris, faces a tough second-round match at the US Open against fourth seed Taylor Fritz.

The 28-year-old Capetonian cruised through his first round fixture, beating Argentinian world number 37 Sebastián Báez 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.

Known for his blended style of power and precision, strong serve, and increasing comfort at the net, his win against Báez, a former world number 18, was a commanding performance.

Harris had a 90% first serve rate, nine aces, 44 points won off his opponent’s serve, and 11 breakpoints.

“Super happy with the win. I have some good memories out here. I feel right at home playing here in New York,” said Harris following the match.

Harris is no stranger to success at the US Open Tennis Championships, having reached the quarter finals of the Grand Slam in 2021, beating several top-ranked players in the process.

The South African, a former world number 31, is still making his way back from an injury that could have left him out of the game for good.

While training last July, Harris suffered a freak back injury that left him immobilised with severe pain.

The 28-year-old was bedridden for days and unable to undergo scans. Doctors later diagnosed a disc herniation at the L4/L5 segment, forcing Harris into discectomy surgery after conservative treatment failed.

It marked another major setback following his 2022 wrist surgery.

Yet, his comeback progress this year has been steady, reaching the first round at the French Open, which boasts 128 of the world’s best, and the second round of Wimbledon.

Harris got into the main draw of the US Open through the qualifying draw, beating three tough opponents in the process.

Match against Fritz

Harris is set to play American world number four and 2024 US Open finalist, Taylor Fritz.

The two have met twice before, each winning one match, with Harris taking the last match in Antwerp 7-5, 7-6.

The hometown favorite had a smooth first-round match against compatriot Emilio Nava, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, with a big boost from his 11 aces.

Fritz, looking to go one step further than last year’s performance and lift the trophy, has had a strong season, boasting an impressive semi-final run at Wimbledon a few weeks prior.

Fritz is a 6’5″ offensive baseliner with a powerful serve, reaching up to 240km/h, and strong angled groundstrokes.

“There’s a little bit of pressure and expectation. It’s never easy coming out to what is the most important tournament for Americans all year,” Fritz said in his on-court interview.

“There’s definitely going to be a bit of nerves. Once I get into the matches, get into the first couple of rounds of the tournament, then there’s the confidence that comes in.”

Harris said during his post-match press conference his next match would be a “difficult challenge, but one to look forward to.”

“I like the big stage, and I’m not scared of playing in front of a big crowd. I want to show what I’ve got. I’m going to have to bring a high level. I’m so excited for it.”

He added that being the underdog may work in his favour.

“Sometimes when no one expects you to win, it’s easier to go and play. I can go out there and swing more freely, and hopefully bring an even higher level.”

The match will take place on the 14,000-seat Louis Armstrong Stadium at 19h00 SAST, and can be watched on Supersport or TennisTV.