Billy Harris is looking to make back-to-back semi-finals on grass after a hard-fought three-set win over rising star Joao Fonseca at the LTA’s Rothesay Open in Nottingham. The 29-year-old, who hails from Nottingham, defeated Brazilian 17-year-old Fonseca, last year’s junior US Open champion, 7-6 (5) 3-6 6-4 to advance to the last eight.
For the second consecutive week, Harris will face off against experienced Kazakh player Mikhail Kukushkin in his quest for a spot in the semi-finals. In their previous encounter in Surbiton, Harris came out on top in a third-set tie-break, showcasing his resilience on the court. Now, he must bring that same level of play to set up another meeting with Kukushkin in Nottingham.
After taking the first set in a tie-break, Harris had to finish the match indoors due to rain disrupting play. Despite the challenging conditions, Harris was able to regroup and find his game to secure a crucial break of serve early in the third set, ultimately sealing the victory. Reflecting on the match, Harris acknowledged the difficulties he faced but credited his ability to adapt and change the momentum in his favor.
Looking ahead to his upcoming match against Kukushkin, Harris knows he will need to bring his A-game to overcome the resilient Kazakh player. Their previous meetings have both gone the distance, with each player claiming a victory. Harris recognizes the tough challenge that awaits him but is determined to continue his strong start to the grass-court season.
With the grass-court season in full swing, Harris is focused on maintaining his performance and making a deep run in the tournament. His experience and skill on grass courts will be put to the test against formidable opponents like Kukushkin. Harris understands the importance of staying sharp and playing his best tennis to advance further in the competition.
As the action unfolds on the British summer grass court circuit, fans can stay updated on the latest results and matches by visiting the LTA website. With Harris aiming for another semi-final appearance and tough battles on the horizon, it promises to be an exciting and competitive stretch of tournaments. Keep an eye on Harris as he looks to continue his impressive form and make his mark on the grass-court season.
