Tennis Channel’s commentator, Doug Adler, apparently needs time to warm up to the prospect of a US player defeating his beloved Federer.  Even though we, at USTN, will call attention to opportunities for more U.S. success, we are ultimately in the corner of our U.S. players during every match we attend.

Here is Doug Adler’s comment after Harrison went down 0-1 (15-40) last night at Indian Wells, “Yeah, I think he’s going to give a clinic tonight I think” followed by a question to Adler from Robbie Koenig: “Is it going to be as close as the Devvarman-Nadal match?”  Adler: “No, it wont even be anywhere that close” (Harrison’s match ended 6-7, 3-6 vs. Devvarman’s loss of 5-7, 4-6.  The lack of support from Adler is extraordinary.  Adler continued:  “I mean that’s child’s play for Federer.” (after Federer hit an easy winner from Ryan’s topspin approach shot from the baseline)

At deuce, 1-3…  Ryan Harrison has an aggressive play which Federer barely reaches with a flick backhand overhead that ricochets off Ryan’s frame.  Ryan looked solid putting Federer on the move.  Adler’s comment?  “Shame… Ahh.. This is a mismatch right now… Harrison just trying to do what ever he can, but if you don’t hit just the right shot against Federer, he makes you look really bad.”  Robbie Koenig was notably silent.

When Ryan misses a shot or doubles, “he is excited…”  when Federer misses a sitter, it is “so unusual.”

Harrison opened vs. Federer at Indian Wells with an impressive 6-6, (3-3) start, and later lost the tie breaker.

Ryan ended by saving three match points serving at 6-7, 2-5, (0-40) – Then at deuce, the crowd cheered watching him serve to the deuce court, ripping a cross court forehand winner on the short return followed by 134 mph down the T for his ad, and finally 121mph to the Fed backhand for a service winner bringing the score to 6-7, 3-5.  Unlike the first set, Federer was able to serve out the match on his first attempt.

Ryan Harrison is coached by his father and USTA coaching staff… Both of whom are not able to convince him to stop using the cross court approach shot.  Twice in the second set, Ryan was soundly beat with easy passing shots after a cross court approach.

One more point on USTA tactical coaching issues… Ryan won only 12 of his 29 second serves…  A long noted USTN principle states that more double faults are acceptable when 2nd serve win percentages are low.  In other words, since Ryan’s first serve percentage was 69%, if Ryan had attempted more ‘first serves’ on his second attempt, he may have won up to 20 2nd serve points instead of 12… Even if he double faulted 8 additional times, he would end up with same 12 points won on his 29 second serve attempts… Not to mention this may increase 1st serve percentage by grooving the serve.

Harrison’s Bag Check?  Likes his Babolat Pure Stone Limited GT Racquet, Nike wrist bands, Eats the Muscle Milk Bars, has a USTA “Strength and Conditioning Program” with his name on the cover (which appeared to be a bit generic for US Tennis’ best furure prospect.)  Ryan’s quote?   “Tennis players have some of the most dangerous feet to look at”

Some of Adler’s positive comments?  “Gotta admire the guts of this kid”  “Never allowing Federer to feel comfortable”

P.S.  Watch out for his younger brother Christian Harrison…

Robert Kendrick in Indian Wells

Kendrick is getting accustomed to winning this spring.  After a disappointing first round qualifying loss at the 2009 Sydney tournament, a first round loss to Soderling in the 2009 Australian Open, and failing to qualify in Memphis and San Jose, Kendrick has won 7 of his last 9 matches.  Kendrick’s two losses were well contested performances vs. eventual finalist, Korolev, in Delray Beach and Nalbandian at Indian Wells.

Robert Kendrick picked up his seventh win today defeating Arnaud Clement 6-3, 7-6(5) winning 85% of his first serve points & 54% of his second serve points.  Kendrick plays Robin Soderling again with the winner most likely to play Jo-Wilfied Tsonga in the third round.

Kendrick lost to Soderling 7-5, 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 in the first round of the 2009 Australian Open in a match that highlighted Kendrick’s less effective second serve. Given Kendrick only won 23 of his 49 second serves, Kendrick may need to consider a more aggressive approach this time around.  Perhaps allowing for the possibility of additional double faults as a result of a pointed second serve attack.

Given Kendrick has recently won 80% of his first serve points, even a significant increase in double faults would not be detrimental if he was successful in significantly increasing his second serve winning percentage.

Andy’s Saturday loss in the SAP Open to Stepanek was also filled with puzzling strategy. While I applaud Andy’s aggressive attacks during critical points, he takes his boldness a step too far. A step toward the center line that is. Andy consistenly split steps to the center after his approach shots seemingly trying to bait his opponent to hit the difficult passing shot over the highest part of the net. Most likely a very successful strategy against lessor opponents, but absolutely ineffective when playing elite players like himself. This positioning error is compounded by his often short high bouncing cross court approach shots.

Andy Roddick will be number one in the world again if he continues with his new fitness rhythm and changes from 80% high risk center net positioning to an aggressive 80% ‘follow the ball’ strategy to take away the line, but also the crown from the reigning king of the ATP.