cinch Championships 2024: Harris reaches maiden ATP 500 quarter-final after defeating Mpetshi Perricard
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Billy Harris has reached a new career milestone after making his first ATP 500 quarter-final at the cinch Championships – defeating qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 7-5 in just one hour and 10 minutes.
Harris has hit impeccable form on the grass so far this year, reaching the semi-finals at both the Lexus Surbiton Trophy and Rothesay Open Nottingham and the 29-year-old’s fairytale run continued as he reached the final eight for the first time at the Queen’s Club.
Harris' victory comes just one day after he was awarded a wild card to The Championships, Wimbledon, where he will compete in the main draw for the first time in his career.
"It was massive for my confidence" Harris said after his win against Mpetshi Perricard. "I came into this match knowing it was going to be very tough with his serve. First set I was thinking ‘jeez this serves got to slow down’ but that’s why the games were so quick, and I had to keep my focus. I got the breaks when I needed them and thought I played well.
"I didn’t know how I’d react coming out here today (on Centre Court) but as soon as I got on court I was getting great support from the crowd and they helped me through the match. I managed to settle in quickly and just stayed in the zone."
This now sees two British hopefuls set for quarter-final action in West London after Jack Draper overcame defending champion Carlos Alcaraz earlier today.
"Amazing from Jack (Draper). He’s the future of British tennis and he’s leading the way so it’s great to look at him and see what he’s doing and definitely take inspiration from that."
Coming in off the back of a career-best win against world No.32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round, Harris looked to continue his momentum in his second round encounter against the big-serving Frenchman.
The 29-year-old dominated behind his serve from the off and didn't face a single break point across the match. It only took a single break of serve in each set for Harris to take control of the match before eventually closing in on the win to reach his first ATP 500 quarter-final.
He'll now take on either America's Brandon Nakashima or Lorenzo Musetti for a spot in the semi-finals.
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