Lloyd Harris showed incredible determination and skill at Wimbledon, coming back from a two-set lag to secure a significant victory against Alex Michelsen. The match was full of drama and excitement, with Harris’ capacity to adapt and retaliate on full display. With the guidance of South Africa’s Davis Cup captain, Harris is looking ahead to his next match with optimism, hoping to inspire others to pursue their ambitions relentlessly. His performance at Wimbledon is a testament to his tenacity and boundless potential.
Lloyd Harris showcased unyielding determination and fortitude to land one of the most significant victories of his professional tenure at Wimbledon 2019, despite an intimidating initial two-set lag. A testament to his remarkable skill and persistence, Harris’s performance is a tribute to his tenacity and boundless potential of unwavering belief.
An Unforgettable Opening Day
An embodiment of the motivational phrase tattooed on his left forearm, ‘Keep dreaming, keep believing, no goal is unreachable’, South African tennis player Lloyd Harris personified these words on the inaugural day of Wimbledon. The odds were against him as he faced off against Alex Michelsen from the USA, who is ranked 55th globally. Despite an intimidating initial two-set lag, Harris showcased unyielding determination and fortitude to land one of the most significant victories of his professional tenure.
Court 9 was bustling with spectators who were eagerly looking forward to an exciting match. They were not disappointed. For an exhausting 3 hours and 28 minutes, they were privy to a match that had it all – drama, panache, and an unexpected and exhilarating turn of events as Harris mounted a comeback. After dropping the first sets 3-6, 4-6, he turned the tables on Michelsen, winning 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 7-6 (11/9), in a testament to his remarkable skill and persistence.
The match was a true exhibition of Harris’s capacity to adapt and retaliate, particularly evident in the third set. A triumphant lob to counter Michelsen’s drop shot at 3-1, bolstered by impeccable serving, a staggering total of 34 aces during the game, marked the commencement of his comeback.
Expert Guidance and A Natural Connection
Accompanying Harris was South Africa’s Davis Cup captain, Christo van Rensburg, offering strategic counsel from the sidelines. Rensburg’s advice to serve with more aggression and focus on the deuce side, coupled with the encouraging chants from South African supporters during the changeovers, played a pivotal role in Harris’s comeback.
Harris has a special fondness for the grass court, referring to it as his “natural habitat”, a sentimental nod to his rugby past in South Africa. His hard-won victory held particular resonance given his previous challenges at Wimbledon. The ambiance of the match, according to Harris, left an indelible mark on him, forging a memory that he will treasure.
Looking Ahead and Inspiring Others
With his sights set on the second round, Harris expressed anticipation for the potential match-ups with either Ben Shelton or Mattia Bellucci, both left-handed players. His optimism is fueled by his preference for playing against left-hand opponents. He regards both Shelton and Bellucci as strong challengers, expressing a particular eagerness to confront Bellucci again, following an earlier defeat in the French Open qualifying rounds.
After his extraordinary victory, Harris was flooded with congratulatory messages from his homeland. His match, broadcast in South Africa, enabled his friends, family, and fans to witness his exceptional performance. This moment, as he highlighted, could substantially boost the growth and popularity of tennis in South Africa. His hope is that his dogged perseverance might inspire others to pursue their ambitions relentlessly.
A Testament to Tenacity
Harris’s performance at Wimbledon is a tribute to his tenacity and the boundless potential of unwavering belief. The motivational words inked on his arm seem to have come alive in his gameplay, fueling him with inspiration. His upcoming match with either Shelton or Bellucci on Wednesday, 3rd July, is expected to be another thrilling episode in his Wimbledon journey.
The article was penned by Amisha Savani, who reported live from the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, for The South African.
1. Who is Lloyd Harris?
Lloyd Harris is a South African tennis player who recently won a significant victory at Wimbledon 2019.
2. What was significant about Harris’s victory at Wimbledon?
Harris came back from a two-set lag to secure a significant victory against Alex Michelsen, showcasing unyielding determination and fortitude.
3. Who provided guidance to Harris during the match?
South Africa’s Davis Cup captain, Christo van Rensburg, offered strategic counsel from the sidelines.
4. What is Harris’s connection to the grass court?
Harris has a special fondness for the grass court, referring to it as his “natural habitat”, a sentimental nod to his rugby past in South Africa.
5. What are Harris’s expectations for his upcoming match at Wimbledon?
Harris expressed anticipation for the potential match-ups with either Ben Shelton or Mattia Bellucci, both left-handed players. He regards both Shelton and Bellucci as strong challengers, expressing a particular eagerness to confront Bellucci again.
6. How does Harris hope to inspire others with his victory?
Harris hopes that his dogged perseverance might inspire others to pursue their ambitions relentlessly, thereby boosting the growth and popularity of tennis in South Africa.
