Lloyd Harris bows out of US Open doubles in Round 2 – EXCLUSIVE

South Africa’s Lloyd Harris and his Serbian partner Miomir Kecmanovic lost their second round doubles match at the US Open. 

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Harris and Kecmanovic lost 7-5, 6-4 to Argentinian Horacio Zeballos and his Spanish partner Marcel Granollers. 

It was the fifth time Harris had played against this pairing in 2023 – and might be sick of the sight of them!

He’s only been successful once in those five outings when defeating them in the challenger final in Majorca when he was paired with Indian Yuki Bhambri.

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Harris did not have much to say after the defeat, according to The South African website’s Dave Marshall.

“Nothing much to say about the game. It was tough match. They won. And that’s it.”

The ‘Fox’ – fellow South African Raven Klaasen – has been working with Harris in a coaching capacity for the last six weeks while Harris has been plying his trade in various tournaments around the US.

“We know each other from a tennis capacity and a personal capacity.

“It’s good, on and off the court.”

Lloyd Harris’ mother was in the crowd

On the dynamic of their relationship as player and coach, Harris said: “We work hard when we are on the court. Off the court we try and relax and enjoy ourselves.

“He has a great work ethic and he likes to keep the energy high on the court.

“More intense short bursts, rather than long hours of low intensity.”

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Harris was very chuffed to have his mother and sister in the crowd.

“Mum and sis are here all the way from South Africa. They’ve been loving it.

“It was super nice to have them. Last night was special. They were really enjoying the tennis. They just love tennis.

“It was very special for me to have them around.”

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Harris’ mother was a massive Roger Federer fan during the Swiss superstar’s career.

“Now that he’s no longer playing (Federer), it’s just me she supports now.

“I havd a slight edge on Roger. It was 51-49 in my favour of me.

“Now it’s 100% me. I’m her favourite now.”

Regarding compatriot Kevin Andersen’s recent comeback in tennis, Harris said: “He’s played some matches at an incredibly high level. He’s been hitting the ball really well. I’m impressed.

“Hopefully he’ll play a few more tournaments and it won’t stop here.

“It will be amazing if we can have another South African player on tour again.

“It would be really amazing for South Africa.”

Harris is a very proud South African.

“I try to be the best representative of South Africa I can be. It’s all I can do.

Next for Harris is back home to Dubai for some well earned time off and then to a couple of tournaments in China (Beijing and Shanghai).

“I love Asian food so I’m really looking forward to that trip.”

Dave Marshall is covering the 2023 US Open live from New York exclusively for The South African website