Mutua Madrid Open 2012: Tsonga Versus Harrison - Preview

Ryan Harrison defeated Sergiy Stakhovsky 7-6 7-6 to set up a revenge match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round. Tsonga had defeated Harrison in the quarterfinals of Davis Cup last month. This is however a different tournament in different format and different surroundings. Can it produce a different result?

Tsonga plays the same game, win or lose. He attacks and attacks, not mindful of the errors he commits, not bothered about the game his opponent is playing. If he is able to dictate the play, he wins; if he starts failing, he fails. In a three set format, he is a greater threat since he can maintain his focus. In a prolonged match, there are times when he loses concentration and lets the opponent get a foothold in the match.

Harrison has a balanced game in which he neither does anything extra-ordinary nor anything abnormal. He is quite comfortable with rallies in which he tries to create his own openings. His second serve is better than most and opponents do not find it easy to hit return winner. He has capacity to break Tsonga’s service game, but does not play as well when facing own break point. He can alternate between attack and defence, but sometimes gets into error mode while going on the offensive.

It is going to be an absorbing battle. Notwithstanding vast difference in the rankings, the match would come to the few important points that decide the outcome. Tsonga will remain in the attack mode on these important points, whereas for Harrison, discretion would become the better part of valor.  If Harrison is able to break the rhythm, he will win. If Tsonga can contain his errors, he will win. The outcome of the match is more likely to be on the racquet of Tsonga.