BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells

[CR protected] Mardy Fish (USA) vs. [CR110] Ryan Harrison (USA)

Harrison took the first set, something he has never done in their previous encounters. Maybe this was a forewarning of a different outcome; however, Fish had plans of extending his stay. Harrison eager to oblige, played tentatively and Fish took the second set. It appeared that Fish had wrestled momentum away from Harrison; yet, Harrison found a way to manufacture an early break in the third.

Another momentum shift, but it was short-lived as Harrison started thinking too much about winning and became overwhelmed by doubts. Serving to go up 5-3, Harrison could not find a first serve and Fish evened the match, 4-4. Harrison’s frustration bubbled over after he dropped serve.  The tension mounted in the latter stages of the match as both players battled each other and their emotions. Unfortunately, one player had to lose and sadly for Fish he came out on the losing end 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(3).  Despite the loss, this was a victory for Fish who has been away from the game since August of 2013.