The road to success for Billy Harris has finally found its rider. The British player has weathered the storm and is currently vying for his first career title at the Queen’s Club Championships event. Pushing him forward is his pillar of strength, his father, Geoff Harris, also his tennis coach!

Born in Nottingham, the 29-year-old player grew up idolizing Roger Federer. However, it was his father who encouraged him and his other siblings, two brothers and a sister, to take up sports at a young age. As Billy grew up practicing with his racquet alongside his father, Geoff also took up the role of his coach. With his help, Harris reached his highest singles ranking, 162 this month, just about three days ago. 

Last year, he admitted that, “It’s definitely been a slow process,” after his first ATP match win in the Sofia Open, but Billy added, “To finally get my first main-draw win feels so special.” However, throughout his one-decade-long professional career, his father’s support has remained constant.

Not only Geoff but Billy has also enjoyed the support of Leon Smith, captain of Britain’s Davis Cup team. Unfortunately, very little is known about his father’s role in his quest for glory in tennis. Nevertheless, his efforts to make his son shine in the tennis world are finally paying off.

This year, it has been extra special for the Brit. This is because Harris, who lost in the third qualifying round at Wimbledon last year, has received another chance this year to prove himself in that tournament. Not only that, the 2022 Winnipeg National Bank challenger winner in doubles has already made his mark in two semifinal matches before coming to London. One was in Nottingham and the other was in LTA’s Lexus Surbiton event. 

Reflecting on his improvement on-court over the last few years, Harris said, “Nottingham was definitely a good confidence boost, two semi-finals, that’s the best I’ve done in those tournaments so I’m feeling good about my game.” However, currently, his focus is on winning the Queen’s Club Championships event and he is optimistic as well as cautious about the upcoming game.

Billy Harris reflects on his upcoming “big day” in London

Billy Harris produced his career-best win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry in his first round at Queen’s Club. Defeating him by 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, the Brit has secured his place in the round of 16 of the game, pleasing everyone in the crowd and also his loved ones! After the match, Harris was in good spirits, “I’m very happy with the result, a career-high win for me and to do it at home on the grass is even more special.”

However, he is now focused on winning against his next opponent, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, scheduled for today. Referring to that, yesterday he said, “It doesn’t get any easier, I’ve got a tough opponent tomorrow in Perricard, he’s a big server so I’m just going to prepare for that and rest well, I’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

As he continues in his pursuit of excellence in the upcoming matches, one thing is sure. Be it late or early, Billy Harris’ talent, backed by the support of his father, is speaking volumes in the tennis world.