Although nearly everybody at the 2018 US Open is abuzz about the Williams sisters, they’re not the only siblings making waves at Flushing Meadows this year. Meet Ryan Harrison, 26, and his younger brother, Christian Harrison, 24, who are proving to be a formidable force in the men’s doubles draw. On Friday, the duo upset No. 10 seeds Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez (no relation), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, to claim a berth in the third round.
When one watches the Harrisons compete, their harmony is undeniable and each contributes particular strengths. “I have a great serve and a lot of power, and Christian is very solid and has unbelievable returns,” explained Ryan.
For many people, family tennis can be a fraught affair, replete with disapproving sidelong glances, frustrated muttering and the occasional abuse of equipment. But Ryan denies the existence of any on-court sibling rivalry, noting, “We complement each other really well, we know each other’s games and we have great chemistry out there.” He admitted that he and his brother both have fiery temperaments, “but Christian is more composed with it and I’m more outgoing with it.” He added, “This is only our fifth tournament together as pros, but we’re family and played doubles together growing up, so it’s not that new. But it’s still new on the ATP Tour.”
Without a doubt, Team Harrison’s best win came at the 2012 US Open, where they reached the doubles quarterfinals. Ryan has also had impressive results with other partners, most notably Michael Venus, with whom he won the 2017 doubles championship at Roland Garros. (The pair earned all six wins in straight sets.)
Preparation for those accomplishments began early on. The brothers were born in Shreveport, La., and Ryan began learning the game at the tender age of 2. When he was 11, he entered the Shreveport City Championships -- where he lost to his father in the finals. In contrast, Christian — who grew up idolizing Pete Sampras — delayed the start of his training, waiting until he was a more worldly and mature 3-year-old. Both turned pro in 2007.
While Ryan forged ahead in his career, eventually earning a career-high ATP singles rank of No. 16 in 2017, Christian had a tougher go of things. Harrison the younger was forced to overcome seven surgeries and a bone infection that kept him off the court from May 2009 to November 2010, and August 2013 to August 2015.
These days, the brothers cite the US Open as their favorite tournament, but no matter how well they’ve done in the past, they always feel a bit jittery before a match. “We’re both pretty superstitious, too, and our rituals include restaurants, warm-up times and things like that,” said Ryan. “But we love coming here and we appreciate the fans’ support and the great atmosphere. The fans really do make a difference, so hopefully they’ll keep coming out.”
