On the right track to stardom
YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN LLOYD HARRIS IS MAKING PEOPLE SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE
Wesley Bo
Hon
aving rocketed up the ATP world rankings after enjoying a breakthrough season on the international circuit, local tennis prospect Lloyd Harris hopes to capitalise on his form by joining acclaimed compatriot Kevin Anderson among the world’s top 100 players next year.
Establishing himself as the nation’s brightest young prospect with a racquet in hand, Harris stepped up by producing some spectacular results throughout the 2018 campaign.
His season included victories at three tournaments on the ATP Futures Tour, as well as the first two titles of his career on the more prestigious Challenger Tour.
The lanky 21-year-old player also competed in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time after progressing through the qualifying rounds at the US Open in New York in August.
In the absence of Anderson, who had made himself indefinitely unavailable, Harris has also spearheaded the national team as the top-ranked singles player in the SA Davis Cup squad.
“I think I’ve been on the right track for the last year or so,” Harris said this week.
“I’ve really been bringing the results, trying to improve my game and get better as a player.
“I think I really stepped it up on the Challenger Tour, which made a big difference, and also playing lots of ATP events and qualifying for my first Grand Slam shows that the results are real and I’m right up there.”
His consistent performances this season saw Harris climbing to a career high 110th position in the world rankings this month.
He was also rewarded for his efforts by being named as the alternate for this week’s Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, the season-ending tournament contested between the top eight Under-21 players on the international circuit.
Though he would need another player to withdraw in order to get a match at the Milan tournament, he was satisfied to have received a spot as a reserve.
“The process of getting here was extremely tough,” Harris said.
“I had to win a lot of matches and tournaments, so I feel I really deserve a chance, and obviously if I get to play a match that would be great, but I’m still happy just to be here.”
With Anderson having climbed to a career high fifth place in the world rankings this year, after reaching a Grand Slam final for the second time, Harris said it was a real motivator for him to have a countryman on tour who could put up a fight against the best players in the sport.
“I think it makes it a lot easier also having someone from South Africa who is currently at the top of the game and achieving such great results,” he said.
“It just shows me that someone coming from South Africa, with that background, can do it.
“That’s inspirational for me, for sure, and as I improve and go up in the rankings, I’ll be at more of the tournaments where he’s playing and I can possibly benefit even more by having him around.”
Next year, Harris said he hoped to lift his career to a new level by breaking into the top 100 in the world rankings and competing in more top-flight tournaments on the ATP Tour.
He was also aiming for a main draw ticket at the season-opening Grand Slam by qualifying for the Australian Open.
“It’s definitely the best season I’ve had as a professional,” said Harris, who turned pro in 2015.
“It’s been a tough year on and off the court, but I feel I’ve found a way to play some really good tennis and I’m very happy with my performances throughout the year, with everything I’ve accomplished and achieved.
“I think it’s a great stepping-stone to build on for next year.”
It just shows me that someone coming from South Africa, with that background, can do it.
Lloyd Harris SA’s latest tennis prospect