By Tony Fairbairn
- Billy Harris [WC] def Charles Broom [LL] 3-6 6-2 6-2
- Harris v Flavio Cobolli | H2H: First Meeting
EASTBOURNE, ENGLAND – Billy Harris edged past lucky loser Charles Broom in three sets to reach the quarter-finals in Eastbourne where he will face Flavio Cobolli.
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Billy Harris [WC] def Charles Broom [LL] 3-6 6-2 6-2
Billy Harris is into the quarter-finals after a three set victory over fellow Brit Charles Broom. The win also means Harris is into back-to-back ATP quarter-finals after his run to the last eight at Queen’s Club last season. In order to achieve the feat, Harris had to come back from a set down as Broom made a solid start to the match.
The world number 245 reached the final in Nottingham prior to Eastbourne and continued his form in the opening set by breaking for a 2-0 lead. There was a quick response from Harris as he broke back in the next game but the Brit was strangely passive on the pressure points allowing Broom to dictate play.
The lucky loser saved break point in the fifth game before breaking to love in the next game to take a 4-2 lead. A variety of tactics was implemented by Harris but none of them were effective as Broom held on to take the first set 6-3.
Once Harris settled into the match though, it was one-way traffic as he used his experience to dictate on the forehand with his anticipation on return improving. After taking a 3-0 lead, Harris threatened the double break advantage with Broom saving two break points in the fourth game. After surviving a tough service game, Harris would eventually gain the second break of serve to take the second set 6-2 and force a deciding set.
In the final set both players had their chances with Broom having five break points throughout the set with the lucky loser failing to take advantage. However, Harris did take advantage of his break points as the quality in the big moments was clear to see. After breaking in the sixth game, Harris broke again to love in the next return game to seal a place in the last eight.
Billy Harris [WC] v Flavio Cobolli H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Billy Harris [WC] v Flavio Cobolli | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Eastbourne 2024 | Eastbourne, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €22,370 |
| First on Centre Court (11:00 BST) | BBC IPlayer |
Harris will now look to avoid a second consecutive quarter-final defeat to an Italian when he takes on Flavio Cobolli after Cobolli overcame lucky loser Giles Hussey in three tight sets.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Billy Harris (WR 162) | Flavio Cobolli (WR 49) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 63.8 | 55.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 79.1 | 79.5 |
| Break Points Saved % | 64.4 | 65.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 50.5 | 49.6 |
| Break Points Converted % | 38.4 | 40.6 |
Harris will need to be consistently aggressive on serve as he will need to rush Cobolli’s effective returning.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Cobolli has made good strides this season having reached the semi-finals in Geneva as well as reaching the world’s top 50. However the Italian has lacked form in recent months and doesn’t have that much experience on grass so he will be approaching the next few weeks as a free hit in order to boost his form.
Harris will need to be aggressive on serve as he will use the forehand to rush Cobolli’s play while approaching the net to finish the points off. Meanwhile Cobolli will use the backhand to pin Harris behind the baseline as the Italian will continue to be effective on return. This will be a good match but Harris should use the experience of last week to his advantage as a British win looks likely here.
Prediction: Harris in three sets.
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