Lloyd Harris

South Africa’s lone entrant in the men’s singles draw at this year’s Australian Open, Lloyd Harris, has lost in Round 2 of the tournament. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Australian Open 2023: Lloyd Harris faces tough opener

South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, fit again after a lengthy layoff, faces a tough opening match at this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

Lloyd Harris

South Africa’s lone entrant in the men’s singles draw at this year’s Australian Open, Lloyd Harris, has lost in Round 2 of the tournament. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

South Africa’s Lloyd Harris faces a tough opening match at this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

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The 25-year-old Capetonian was sidelined for the second half of 2022 with a right wrist injury, but has made a welcome return to the court in the past couple of weeks.

Thanks to his ‘protected ranking’, Harris was guaranteed a berth in the 128-man draw for the opening Grand Slam of the year.

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Harris’ actual ATP ranking has ballooned to a ‘live’ 186th due to his inactivity over the last six months.

Australian Open starts next Monday

Harris has been drawn in the top half of the draw against 20-year-old Italian 17th-seed Lorenzo Musetti in Round 1.

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The pair have never faced one another at ATP level, but did have one Challenger match on clay in Italy in 2020 which Musetti won after Harris retired in the third set.

Lloyd Harris’ best performance at an Australian Open came in 2021 when he reached the third round.

This year’s Australian Open will start on Monday, 16 January.

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