Tennis | ATP Atlanta 2024 | Harris qualifies for second straight ATP event, plays opening match against Karatsev

By Tony Fairbairn

Billy Harris (Q) vs Aslan Karatsev
H2H: First Meeting

ATLANTA, USA – Billy Harris has qualified for his second consecutive ATP Tour event and will now face Aslan Karatsev in his season opener in Atlanta.

Billy Harris (Q) v Aslan Karatsev H2H & Match Basics

Billy Harris (Q) vs Aslan Karatsev	H2H: First Meeting
ATP Atlanta 2024	Atlanta, USA
Difficult (O)	Prize Money: $8,110
First in the stands (16:00 BST)	Sky/Now TV <- Subscription required

After qualifying for Newport last week, Billy Harris has qualified for his second consecutive ATP event in Atlanta and will face Aslan Karatsev in his opening match in the main draw.

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)

H2H:	Billy Harris (WR 114)	Aslan Karatsev (WR 107)
Tournament Previous Best	n/a	n/a
1^st To serve %	63.3	62.4
Service games won %	75	67.2
Breakpoints saved %	54.3	53.2
2^nd Serve Return Points Won %	45.9	49.7
Breakpoints converted %	42.5	37.2

Harris will need to consider Karatsev’s consistency on serve and return as the Brit looks to maintain his efficiency on break points.

Playing Styles and Prediction

After a run to the final in Tokyo last year, Karatsev has endured a nightmare season in 2024 with injuries hampering his progress and just one win from seven tournaments. However, the world number 107 now returns to hard courts knowing he can be a dangerous player to play against when he is on form, and he will be hoping to return to his best form in the second half of the season.

Harris will look to control rallies with the forehand, while going to the net to shorten points. Meanwhile, Karatsev will use the backhand to force Harris behind the baseline, while looking to gain confidence in all areas of the court. This should be a tough match for Harris, but the Briton’s more confident form this season makes him a slight favorite in what should be a long first-round match.

Prediction: Harris in three sets.