Ryan Harrison, Lauren Davis Win Australian Open Wildcards

by Tom Gainey | December 20th, 2010, 11:40 am
  • 3 Comments

In minor tennis news, two American juniors are searching for flights to Australia this morning after winning the Australian Open USTA wildcard playoff.

Burgeoning star Ryan Harrison beat Jack Sock in four sets 76 (3), 62, 67 (4), 64 to book his spot in the men’s singles draw.

“That was an all-out battle out there,” said Harrison. “Those were four tight sets. I thought there were times when we could have played better and been a little more aggressive but that being said we were also playing for a spot in the Australian Open so there was a lot pressure on both of us.”


The 18-year-old Harrison who plays out of Cortez, Fl, won the playoff last year as well. He lost to Janko Tipsarevic in the first round at Melbourne.

Lauren Davis, 17, earned her ladies man draw berth by beating Coco Vandeweghe 62, 62.

“I think I handled the nerves well and I handled her power and everything she threw at me,” said Davis who’s from Gates Mills, OH but trains out of the Evert Academy.

The playoff was held by the USTA at the at the Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, GA.

First round prize money at the 2011 Australian Open is just shy of $20,000 USD. That’s a nice Christmas bonus for both kids.


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3 Comments for Ryan Harrison, Lauren Davis Win Australian Open Wildcards

Collee Says:

I am not too familiar with Lauren, but that is great for her to brush aside a more experienced player so easily. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for her.

As for Ryan– he has the potential to be a superstar if he can churn in some good results. He’s marketable.

December 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm


Naderer Says:

Ladies man draw….lol

December 21st, 2010 at 2:51 am


MMT Says:

I like Ryan Harrison – it helps that his father was a pro back when more players had all-around games, but he just seems to have a lot of tools in the kit. With a little better positioning, anticipation and decision making he has the potential to be really good. Mentally I love his approach – very analytical and calm, and doesn’t seem to find excuses to feel sorry for himself when he’s down or loses.

It’s interesting the contrast between him and Donald Young, who crapped out in the first round (against Jack Sock, who seems like a comer as well.) Harrison is all business, but Young…I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen for this kid as long as he’s coached by his parents. He’s got to branch out on his own with someone who won’t make excuses for him. A bit harsh, I know, but Young beat Sam Querrey to win Kalamazoo in 2006, and have a look at the variance between their careers.

Speaking of which, did anyone see the “Who’s Next” documentary on Tennis Channel – both Kudla and Sock were featured, with both of them going to Belgrade for the US Davis Cup tie earlier this year. Between the two of them, it appears Sock is the better player, but I really like Kudla’s attitude – although apparently the Bryan Brothers didn’t care for his exhuberance during training.

December 22nd, 2010 at 10:25 am

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