Cincinnati Masters Tips: The saviour of US tennis?

Events / Ben Caudell / 15 August 2011 /

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Ben's backing Ryan to beat Chela?

"Holding a more potent serve and explosive all-round game, as well as playing in front of home support, the American should pull off the win... "

The great white hope of American tennis is in action tonight in Ohio and Ben Caudell believes the home fans will be celebrating. Read our man's tips here all week.

Ryan Harrison (USA) v Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)

At only 19-years-old, Ryan Harrison has a bundle of potential that is itching to fill the American void in the World Rankings. Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick, currently the only two Americans ranked in the top 20, are both fully aware that Harrison has a long way to go, but, at the same time, they know that he has what it takes to revitalise the game in the U.S.

With a late night billing on one of the main courts in Cincinnati, what better way to showcase Harrison's underlying potential on his favourite surface and on home soil as he takes on Argentine clay specialist and world number 23 Juan Ignacio Chela.

Currently Ranked at 78 in the word, just two places off his career high of 76 last week, the Florida resident has reached a purple patch of form since his five set loss to David Ferrer in the second round at Wimbledon. Harrison reached the semi-finals of both Atlanta and Los Angeles in July, where he was defeated by top tenner Mardy Fish on both occasions.

Tonight's match will be the first time Harrison faces dirt baller Chela, the American has won his last four matches in a row when priced as a favourite, is currently 7-3 on the hard courts and 7-3 on home soil. Earlier on in the year at Indian Wells, Harrison reached the fourth round, defeating Jeremy Chardy, Guillermo Garcia Lopez, and Milos Raonic before going out to Roger Federer in two close fought sets. Furthermore, the big-serving American has better 12 month stats on the hard court surface than his opponent, winning 55% of matches to Chela's 38%, and 63.1 % of service points won compared with 62.2% for Chela.

Harrison will definitely fancy his chances, especially seeing as Chela has lost five of his last six matches in North America and five of his last six on hard courts. Holding a more potent serve and explosive all-round game, as well as playing in front of home support, the American should pull off the win and make it through to the second round.

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