Harris Marches On In Antwerp
Seventh seed Lloyd Harris produced a dominant performance on Thursday at the European Open as he overcame German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-2, 6-3 to reach his fifth tour-level quarter-final of the season.
The 24-year-old, who also advanced to the last eight in Antwerp in 2020, was strong on serve, firing 11 aces and winning 83 per cent (24/29) of points behind his first delivery to advance after 72 minutes.
“I came out pretty solid and didn’t make many mistakes,” Harris said in his on-court interview. “He gave me a few looks at second serves, which helped a bit and I was able to capitalise and build momentum. I just tried to focus on my service games and I knew I was going to create some opportunities.”
[FOLLOW ACTION]With his victory, Harris has improved to 1-4 in his record against German players and will next face Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the last eight.
“I am happy to get over the finish line,” Harris added. “Confidence is everything in our sport, so playing with some confidence is a huge advantage. Hopefully I keep rolling with this confidence.”
The South African has earned a career-best 29 tour-level wins this year. The World No. 32 reached the final in Dubai and advanced to the quarter-finals in Halle, Washington and at the US Open.
His next opponent, Fucsovics, rallied past fourth-seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 after two hours and 22 minutes.
The Hungarian began the week having lost seven of his previous eight matches. But he has found good form to reach his first quarter-final since Wimbledon.