John Isner will contest his Sydney opener on Tuesday. Standing in his way of the quarterfinals is compatriot Ryan Harrison.
John Isner and Ryan Harrison will be squaring off for the third time in their careers when they clash in the second round of the Apia International on Tuesday afternoon. Isner has won both of their previous encounters; 6-1, 7-5 three years ago in Memphis and 7-6(4), 6-3 in a semifinal on the grass courts of Newport last summer.
The tide may be turned for this one because Isner heads into it with far more question marks than answers. Sydney’s top seed had to pull out midway through last week’s Hopman Cup (after losses to Kevin Anderson and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) due to what he called a minor case of knee tendinitis. Furthermore, Isner did not end 2012 in good form. The 13th-ranked American won only four matches after capturing the Winston-Salem title–and just two following the U.S. Open.
Harrison compiled a solid 23-24 record at the ATP level last season, but he did not climb quite as high as expected–just 10 spots in the rankings. The 20-year-old American opened his 2013 campaign by qualifying for the Brisbane draw, but he promptly fell to Tommy Robredo 6-4, 7-6(4). Harrison advanced in Sydney on Tuesday when Roberto Bautista Agut–the Chennai runner-up–retired after three games.
Isner is the favorite on paper, but it remains to be seen how his knee holds up. Based on respective physical states, current form, and also weather conditions (Harrison can better handle the year), this is the younger American’s best shot at taking down the big guy.
Odds: Isner -200, Harrison +150
Pick: Harrison 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3
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