South African tennis star Lloyd Harris has booked his place in Round 2 at this year’s US Open after earlier successfully negotiating three rounds of qualifying.
The results will be a boost for the 29-year-old, who has battled injuries and inconsistent form in recent seasons, but remains South Africa’s leading men’s tennis players.
The win saw Harris move to 133rd in the world rankings.
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Previous quarter-finalist
Lloyd Harris beat American Jack Kennedy in straight sets in Round 1 on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and 43 minutes.
The big-serving Capetonian will take on the winner between Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas and 10th-seed Arthur Fils of France in Round 2.
Earlier, Harris beat Australia’s Bernard Tomic in the first round of qualifying for the year’s final Gland Slam, winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.
He followed that up with a second round win over Portugal’s Henrique Rocha 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (12/10).
In the third and final round of qualifying, Harris proved too strong for Spain’s Pablo Llamas Ruiz, winning 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.
In the money
Lloyd Harris previously enjoyed a memorable run at the US Open, reaching the quarter-finals in 2021, his best Grand Slam performance to date.
This year’s tournament will be his seventh appearance at a US Open.
Harris is now guaranteed to take home at least $190 000 (R3 million) in prize money.
However, a win in Round 2 will see him bank a minimum of $290 000 (R4.7 million).
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