'Unbelievable' match point ends Wimbledon marathon
Lloyd Harris closed out his first-round win at Wimbledon with a stunning match-point that finished with the South African sprawled on the court surface within touching distance of the crowd.
After three-and-a-half hours, Harris defeated American Alex Michelsen 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(9) following a relentless display on match point which brought the crowd on court nine to their feet.
After dropping the opening two sets, Harris fought back with a strong serving performance to square the match at two sets apiece and force a decider.
Locked in a close battle, the fifth set required a tiebreak to settle the victor — with Harris holding his nerve.
The drawn-out rally lasted 18 shots as Harris was sent hurtling all over the court.
After defending cross-court shots at the back of the court — which included a recovery from a stumble — Harris sprinted forward to save a drop shot at the net before stretching for a cross-court lob which caught his opponent off guard.
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As Michelsen sent the ball down the opposing baseline, Harris lunged for it at the net and connected — putting the ball out of Michelsen's reach.
Throwing his racquet in celebration, the 27-year-old then tripped and fell in front of the feverish spectators seated along the baseline.
Clearly exhausted, Harris remained face down on the grass as he caught his breath.
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Harris finished the match with an impressive 34 aces compared to Michelsen's nine and secured a total of 69 winners to his 55th-ranked rival's 41.
Ranked world No.118, Harris won through the All England Club's three rounds of qualifying to earn his place in the main draw.
Harris will next play the winner of Mattia Bellucci and Ben Shelton in the second round.