Local tennis player opens up before Sarasota Open

The Sarasota Open returns Saturday, April 13, bringing some of the world’s top players including Sam Querrey, James Blake and Ivo Karlovic to the Longboat Key Club & Resort’s Tennis Gardens through Sunday, April 21.

Another one to watch: 18-year-old Christian Harrison, who trains with his father, Pat, and brother, Ryan, at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

We caught up with Harrison to learn what he’s done to overcome recent wrist and hamstring injuries and how he’s prepared for the tournament.

How has it been recovering from your wrist injury? Has it affected your form, changed your technique?
My wrist has fully recovered and I don’t even think about it anymore. At the time though, I adjusted my backhand a bit.

What did you do to stay on top of your game while dealing with injuries?
Recovering from injuries is never easy but I have tried to make the most of my time off of the court by working out in the gym or working on other parts of my game. For example when I hurt my left wrist I did a lot of work on my slice backhand and forehand.

What shots have you been focusing on in anticipation of the Sarasota Open?
I have been working on getting my movement back on the clay since I have been competing on hard courts since the beginning of the season. I haven’t focused on any particular shot, just improving everything in general.

Any competitors, in particular, you hope to play?
There will be a lot of tough players in the draw this year so every match will be very competitive and challenging. I am looking forward to playing anyone.

Are you excited to play in an ATP tournament so close to home?
It is definitely a bonus playing a tournament so close to home. It is nice being able to sleep in my own bed and have friends and family able to come watch.

What are some of your goals?
My short-term goal is to be able to get into the qualifying of the Grand Slams but mainly just keep a good attitude towards my work ethic and improving every day.

Read more about what to expect at the Sarasota Open here.

For ticket information, visit sarasotaopen.org.