By Erik Gudris | Sunday, February 19, 2017
Ryan Harrison didn’t drop a set all week as he claimed his first ever ATP singles title in Memphis.
Photo Credit: Memphis Open Facebook
Ryan Harrison is back.
The 24-year-old Louisiana native, who briefly thought about giving up the sport last year, now finds himself in the ATP winner’s circle for the first time in his career.
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Harrison proved unstoppable all week at the Memphis Open culminating in him taking home his first ATP title in Sunday’s final.
“We all start playing tennis at a young age and we have aspirations,” Harrison said after the win. “For me I was fortunate to have had a great start at a young age. And then I went through some years where I had my ranking drop…and you don’t know if you are going to achieve those things you really wanted to achieve. For me to be here when I didn’t think there was any light at the end of the tunnel, it’s surreal.”
In a meeting of first time ATP finalists, the unseeded Harrison faced off against also unseeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia. Basilashvili entered having knocked out top seed Ivo Karlovic earlier in the week.
Harrison, as he would do all match, fought off break points against his serve first starting in the opening game. Harrison later took advantage of a Basilashvili backhand error to secure a service break for 3-1.
Harrison faced little resistance after that as he won 28 of 43 points in the first set before taking it 6-1.
Basilashvili came back in the second set playing with more aggression. The Georgian started finding his range with his powerful forehand, often pushing Harrison well behind the baseline in their rallies.
Yet Basilashvili could not find a way to break Harrison’s serve. Harrison, facing early break points against him in the second game, fired down an ace and then another big serve before holding for 1-all.
Harrison then earned the first service break of the second set after Basilashvili double faulted serving down 30-40 at 2-all.
Harrison, despite holding a 3-2 lead, faced intense pressure as he tried to close out his first title. Down 0-40 in the next game, Harrison battled back with strong serving and feisty defense from the backcourt to extend his lead for 4-2.
Harrison, facing break points again later at 4-3, fired down several successfull serves out wide in the deuce court to get out of trouble and eventually hold for 5-3.
The final game didn’t prove any easier for Harrison as he attempted to serve out the match. After striking several errors, Harrison found himself down 15-40. Yet once again, Harrison came up with strong serving when he needed to deny Basilashvili any hope of finally breaking serve.
On match point, Harrison delivered his ninth, and more important, ace of the afternoon to seal the 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Harrison saved 12 out of 12 break points against him. Harrison, who didn’t drop a set all week, has now won 20 sets in a row that includes his wins in Memphis and last week at the Dallas Challenger. Harrison is the first American to win the event since Andy Roddick in 2011.
A disappointed Basilashvili hoped for better results as he accepted the finalist trophy.
“I really wanted to win today. I tried everything. But I am going to keep working and practicing and we will see.”
The title run for Harrison marks a career high point in what has been a roller coaster ride for the 24-year-old American. Harrison, who won his first main draw match before age 16, was touted as a potential top 10 player early on. Yet with injuries, setbacks and high expectations, Harrison drifted well outside the top 100 last year.
Harrison, after losing in Wimbledon qualifying last year, told himself it was time to commit to better playing or stop completely.
“You either have to commit to turning it around or you don't even play anymore. At that point I wasn't recognising myself out there,” Harrison told ATP.com back in January. “So I made that commitment with the people around me, who still had belief in me. I think it was important to notice who was still believing in me in the worst moment and trust those people.”
During the trophy ceremony, Harrison got emotional in thanking his parents for their long time support.
With the Memphis win, Harrison will now rise back to his career high ranking on No. 43 in the world.