Ryan Harrison and Frank Dancevic had met just once prior to today’s meeting—last year’s Winnetka Challenger—and the American just barely swiped the match, 6-7(2), 7-5, 7-6(5). Once again, Harrison was favored over the qualifier—both by the crowd and the odds. Ranked 158 to his opponent’s 254, and with the stadium behind him, the chances of Dancevic winning were growing slimmer.
First set: Dancevic takes the lead
Dancevic arrived on court focused and unwavering. He captured an early break to establish a 3-2 lead, which was lengthened to 4-2 when he consolidated this break of serve with a decisive hold. Both players proceeded to hold serve for the remainder of the set, with Harrison reeling off six aces to secure definitive holds. Nonetheless, the twenty-one-year-old was unable to present a threat to Dancevic’s service games and thus, found himself a step behind the Canadian as the set progressed, with the qualifier ultimately taking the first set 6-4.
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images Sport | Daniel Smith
Second set: Dancevic increases his consistency
Despite a nearly flawless first set, where he was winning 79% of his first serve points, Dancevic continued to push himself towards perfection. He totaled 84% of his first serve points the next set, yet again did not face a break point, and served five aces, in comparison to Harrison’s zero. Midway through the set, once more, he clinched another opportunity to break serve. This additional break was all he needed to maintain a steady lead. A set and a break ahead, and not having faced any break points, Dancevic calmly but unshakably crossed the finish line with a narrow 6-4, 6-4 victory: his first career main draw win at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images Sport | Ronald Martinez
Final thoughts:
Though a tight match score-wise, Dancevic did not come close to finding himself in danger. Where Harrison was confronted with five break points on his service games, Dancevic did not face any. Harrison won 71% of his first serve points—a solid statistic by others’ standards. Today, however, Dancevic was earning 82% of his first serve points, leaving Harrison desperate to increase his points gained on his service games.
Dancevic spoke to the crowd following his victory.
"[The Hall of Fame Tennis Championships] is great. I've played this tournament many times in the past--it's a great place on & off the court."
He also touched on his next round opponent, second-seeded Ivo Karlovic.
"Ivo has done well here, it's a very good challenge for me, I'm playing well so I think I have a good chance."
If Dancevic is able to maintain this high level of tennis, he can expect to be successful in his second round match.