French Open 2012: Harrison Versus Simon - Preview

    Ryan Harrison will clash with Gilles Simon in the first round on Monday, the 28^th May. It will be their third clash this year. In both the previous meetings, Simon has defeated Harrison. On the hard courts of Indian Wells, Harrison was able to take one set, but in the Davis Cup in France, he was vanquished in easy straight sets.

    Both Simon and Harrison play similar type of game. Simon is a quick mover and has an excellent footwork. Harrison moves well, but otherwise mobility is not his strong point. He pushes himself only to a limit. Simon presses himself harder and has capability to bounce back into a losing game. He is able to put his thinking cap on when required and change his game plan accordingly. It could also be called a necessity for him since he does not have any destructive weapon. Harrison has excellent serves, both first and second. Infact, his second serve is top class. His forehand however tends to get into errors when he steps on the aggression. His shots are decent without being explosive.

    Harrison has suffered from inability to play his best on the deciding points. He earns a significant number of break points, but is able to convert only a paltry number of them. He has shown a good appetite for win, but does not give the appearance of hunger, and least, starvation.

    In order to defeat a Frenchman at French Open, Harrison will have to play beyond his usual level. It is possible, but harder work is needed to turn possibility into probability. In the normal course, Simon is the clear favourite.