ANDERSON FACES TOUGH ZVEREV TEST
SA’s other singles star Harris has it easier
THE US Open draw has served up a mixed bag for South Africa’s two singles players, Kevin Anderson and Lloyd Harris, both of whom will be in action today in New York City.
Unseeded Anderson will go up against the fifth-seed, German Alexander Zverev, in what has been billed as a showpiece first-round clash on centre court.
Anderson, currently ranked 124th in the world, is a former US Open finalist. He is on a comeback trail and has never defeated world No 7 Zverev.
The form book suggests that Anderson is unlikely to change. However, both players will go into the match without form to speak off. In last week’s warm-up event in Cincinnati, Zverev made a firstround exit and Anderson lasted one round more.
Anderson’s serve remains his most trusted weapon and if it works well on the day, Zverev will be in trouble.
One fears, however, that Anderson needs to play more on his comeback trail before he will be anything like a former world No 5.
Zverev usually trades on solid groundstrokes and he moves well on the court. He brings a strong all-around game and should prevail on the clash which starts at 6pm (SA time).
“It’s going to be a much different experience than normal,” said Anderson.
“I’m feeling inspired after having this time off and not playing much in the past 18 months. “Some of the issues that held me back last year and the beginning of this year have resolved themselves, so that’s a positive for me.”
The draw was not so cruel to Harris, a world No 97 who faces Italy’s Marco Cecchinato who slots in at 106 on the rankings.
“The Cincinnati Open was played at Flushing Meadows so I have had time to adapt to the courts,” said Harris.
“I feel the protocols are strict and rightly so. Everybody is doing an amazing job to follow all the rules and the US open has created a safe environment, which is very important for hosting big events.
“It is fair to say it is the same (facing challenges) for all players.
I am feeling comfortable and looking to improve on last week’s performance.”
Harris has never played Cecchinato before, and both players have never moved beyond firstround play at the US Open.