- By Jonathan Jurejko
- BBC Sport
The Path to Billy Harris’s First ATP Tour Victory
After years of dedication and hard work, Billy Harris, at 28, has achieved his first ATP Tour win at the Sofia Open, defeating Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea Huesler with a score of 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-5).
Reflecting on his journey, Harris expressed, “It’s definitely been a slow process, but to finally get my first main-draw win feels so special.”
Much like many emerging tennis players, Harris faced various challenges, including the long drives around Europe and injuries. Harris nearly decided to quit the sport, but the encouragement of a sponsor and his perseverance kept him going.
Having won five titles on the Futures tour and stepping up to the ATP Challenger Tour, Harris’s determination led him to qualify for Sofia Open, marking a significant milestone in his career.
His journey has brought him ample opportunities, including a high enough rank to play in the qualifying rounds of next year’s Australian Open and working as a hitting partner for Great Britain in the Davis Cup Finals.
Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.