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Rafael Nadal French Open 2021

Lloyd Harris victory over Rafael Nadal labelled ‘excellent’ by former US Open finalist


The South African claimed a monumental win over Rafael Nadal, and the huge result is not going unnoticed by tennis experts.

Former world number four Greg Rusedski was impressed by Lloyd Harris in his battle with the Spaniard.

Nadal lost out in the first set 6-4, before storming back to take the second 6-1, but Harris sealed the match with a break in the third for a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 win.

“Tactically so good from Lloyd Harris against [Nadal],” Rusedski tweeted soon after the match.

“Serving forehand side on first serve and body and backhand on second serve. Anything short in the rally punished and keeping points short.

“Excellent performance. Quite an underrated player for the tools and athleticism he has.”

Lloyd Harris has quietly been securing some brilliant results in 2021 so far. The South African is now 6-1 against top-20 opponents, with wins over Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov, Grigor Dimitrov, Gael Monfils and Rafael Nadal, only losing to Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon.

Harris takes on Kei Nishikori next for a place in the semi-finals of the Citi Open.