South Africa’s Lloyd Harris has claimed back-to-back titles on the ATP Challenger Tour after winning the Shenzhen Challenger in China.

Harris had little trouble in the final as he served 14 aces to beat James Duckworth of Australia 6-3 and 6-3 to clinch the title.

Last week Harris won on the Challenger Tour for the first time in five years by winning the Gwangju Open in Korea.

Sunday’s title saw Harris jump up to 126th in the world as he continues to make his comeback after numerous injuries.

Harris’ coach, Anthony Harris, told OFM Sport that the recent success is all down to an improved fitness regime.

“When we started the preseason for this year in December, he was healthy, he was strong and he was happy,” said Harris.

“He decided to make a huge investment into his fitness on a level that he hadn't really done before.

“He stayed very focused on improving, kept believing that if he put in the hard work that he would get back to where he was, as long as his body was healthy.

“I think that his belief, his determination and his ability to stay positive and keep fighting in the last two week has shown that, that was all correct and now he is starting to see some results for all the hard work.”

Harris is scheduled to compete in the Guangzhou International Challenger this week, however, he may opt to withdraw from the event and head to Europe to start focusing on the clay-courts in preparation for the French Open at Roland Garros.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport