South African tennis star Lloyd Harris has stunned fans and critics alike with a gritty performance that secured his place in the second round of Wimbledon 2025, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Entering the tournament through the qualifying rounds, Harris overcame a daunting challenge against rising American talent Alex Michelsen in a marathon five-set thriller lasting over three and a half hours.
Harris appeared on the back foot early, dropping the first two sets 3-6 and 4-6. But the 118th-ranked South African refused to bow out quietly. He clawed his way back by clinching the third set in a tense tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-5), before dominating the fourth 6-2. The match was decided in a gripping final-set tiebreak, with Harris edging out a nerve-wracking 7-6 (11-9) victory.
A defining moment came when Harris saved a match point, demonstrating remarkable composure and mental toughness. Throughout the contest, his powerful serve was a key weapon; he unleashed 34 aces and won 87% of points on his first serve, overwhelming his opponent.
This triumph follows his successful qualifying campaign, where Harris defeated France’s Hugo Grenier in four sets, securing his entry into Wimbledon’s main draw. His resurgence on the grass courts marks a significant turnaround after battling injuries that threatened his career.
Next up for Harris is a clash against either the tournament’s 14th seed, American Ben Shelton, or Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci, whose first-round match was postponed due to fading light. Both opponents pose formidable challenges, but Harris’s recent form and fighting spirit make him a serious contender to advance further.
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Picture: Nathan Stirk / Gallo Images
