Delray Beach: World No 789 Harrison stuns top seed Garin

Christian Harrison stunned top seed Cristian Garin 7-6(3), 6-2 on Saturday to reach Delray Beach quarterfinals

0
2374
Christian Harrison defeated top seed Cristian Garin to enter Delray Beach quarterfinals

World No 789 Christian Harrison stunned top seed Cristian Garin 7-6(3), 6-2 on Saturday to reach his first ATP Tour quarterfinal at the Delray Beach Open. Before the tournament, he had a total of two tour-level singles wins.

It is an encouraging result in Harrison’s latest comeback bid. The American has had a terrible run of injuries – he has endured bone infection and undergone eight surgeries — including operations on both legs, both hips, his right wrist, and both adductors.

ALSO READ: Chardy accuses Tennis Australia of favouritism

“I just love the sport, I love what I’m doing,” Harrison said. “I just can’t wait to keep playing and hopefully have a good, healthy next couple of years.”

The 26-year-old is the second-lowest-ranked quarter-finalist in Delray Beach tournament history, trailing only former World No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro, who accomplished the feat as the World No. 1,042 in 2016.

Upgrade your serve with our FREE guide

This was also Harrison’s first win over a top-50 opponent.

The Chilean is one of the toughest baseliners on the ATP Tour, but the home favourite played a more physical brand of tennis, using superior depth with his groundstrokes to keep the top seed from gaining control of points. Harrison earned four service breaks in his 90-minute triumph.

ALSO READ: Ferrer decides to part ways with Sascha Zverev

“I just thought about just going to play each point,” Harrison said.

“Obviously he’s a very proven player. There are going to be times when he puts together a bunch of good points. I actually told myself I was lucky to be in that spot because at 4-3, he was up 0/40 on my serve and I came back.”

ALSO READ: Roddick on Federer, ‘The guy ruined my life’

Harrison will next play 2020 Rio Open presented by Claro finalist Gianluca Mager. The Italian ousted sixth seed and 2016 champion Sam Querrey 7-6(8), 6-1 earlier in the day.

Mager defeated Christian’s brother, Ryan Harrison, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the main draw.

ALSO READ: Genie Bouchard’s twin opens up on their ‘strange’ relationship

LEAVE A REPLY