On the Day 2 of the US Open, South Africa’s Lloyd Harris proved that ranking is no reflection of skill, after upsetting world No 39 Sebastian Baez of Argentina.
Harris, now ranked at 353rd in the world, defeated Baez 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in his first round match on Court 7 at Flushing Meadows.
Baes served particularly well with a 96% first serve percentage for the match, versus Harris’s 90%.
Harris came out clutch, serving a total of nine aces in the match against Baez’s three – all this despite a court which Harris said had felt much slower than in previous years.
The slow court was a clear advantage for Harris’s aggressive game, allowing him opportunities to approach the net to switch things up.
Bedridden
The win was even more impressive, given that just weeks ago, the South African star was bedridden with a five-day virus that hampered his Cincinnati run.
Harris was jubilant post-match.
“Super happy with the win. I have some good memories out here. I feel right at home playing here in New York.”
When asked what made him feel so at home in New York, he responded: “I like the courts. I like the conditions. I like the atmosphere. Hard courts are still my favourite. I come here with so many positive emotions that lifts you up.”
After a long run of injuries, Harris admitted that “getting through qualifying, and winning my first round, it’s a huge step in the right direction.
“I’m happy to bring another good level this year to a Grand Slam. For me it’s very positive.”
Harris reflected on what the first round win meant to him.
“It was big.”
Home favourite
Lloyd Harris’s next round opponent is home favourite and world No 4 Taylor Fritz on Wednesday.
His most recent match against Fritz in Antwerp in 2020, saw Harris walk away the winner in straight sets.
The 28-year-old Capetonian is well aware that he’ll need to be at his very best to repeat that feat.
Harris acknowledged during his post-match press conference that it 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.”
Lloyd Harris described feeling that “sometimes it’s easier” to play against a higher ranked opponent.
“Sometimes when no one expects you to win, it’s easier to go and play. It’s not always much harder.
“I can go out there and swing more freely, and hopefully bring an even higher level.”
When asked how he felt about the match likely being scheduled on a show court like Arthur Ashe stadium, he replied: “I prefer night matches. I’ve played some of my best matches at night, so give me a 19:00 start.”
Harris outlined how he and his new coach Marcel du Coudray, have been working on “moving forward and coming to the net more. That has been pretty big for me.”
Cult status
On a lighter note, Lloyd Harris was asked whether he planned to try the Honey Deuce as part of his celebration for his first round win.
The Honey Deuce cocktail at the US Open has achieved cult status in recent years.
The drink, a concoction of vodka, Chambord, melon balls, and lemonade. It is served in a signature US Open keepsake glass.
It has even made it to the official merchandise store.
Last year, the Honey Deuce t-shirts and caps sold out within the first couple of days.
Harris mentioned that he had not tried it, saying that the $23 (R406) cocktail was outside of his limited budget.
He did however, he reveal some of the gifts he’d bought for his girlfriend and family back home.
“They (US Open shop) have some great things. I bought some mugs for the house. I think my girlfriend would be really happy about that.
“I picked them all out. So, I think everyone will be happy recipients of some US Open merchandise”.
Harris picked up $110 000 (R1.94 million) for his opening round win.
Dave Marshall and Amisha Savani are reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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