Harrison marches on in Sarasota Challenger
Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Ryan Harrison at the 2009 Sarasota Open
For the second straight day, 17-year old American Ryan Harrison has won a big three-set match. Coming off of a win over his good friend and fellow NBTA pro, Taylor Dent, Harrison took on top-230 player Victor Estrella in the second round of the Sarasota Open.
Estrella got off to a fast start winning the first set 6-2 and jumping ahead to a 4-2 lead in the second. Harrison kept his composure and never seemed rattled by the 28-year old veteran. He evened the match with a 7-5 victory in the second set, but there was still work to do. Once again, Estrella got out to a 2-0 lead in the third set but Harrison was able to fight back despite cramping and take the match 6-4 in the third.
This is Harrison’s first quarterfinal appearance at an ATP event and he will take on none other than Xavier Malisse (another Bollettieri pupil!) That match will take place tomorrow so stay tuned for updates.
Congrats to Ryan for a great victory today and we are really looking forward to the match tomorrow!
