ATP Antwerp: Eight years after his retirement, Xavier Malisse wins in doubles with his player Lloyd Harris

This is the beautiful story of the week in Antwerp. Coach of Lloyd Harris, former player Xavier Malisse, 41, has taken over the racquet in competition. The Belgian thus took up the challenge that his protégé had thrown at him after several intensive training sessions at Indian Wells: to play doubles together on the circuit. The Antwerp tournament gave a wild card to the duo who honored them in the best possible way by dominating the pair made up of Monegasque Romain Arneodo and Australian Matt Reid (6-4, 7-6) in the 1st turn Wednesday.

“It was cool. This is the reason why we aligned. Honestly, it was nice to be back, to play alongside Lloyd after a great summer traveling together. My service is much slower (that when he played on the circuit, editor’s note), so the placement becomes more important, but it was. I didn’t expect to win“, commented Malisse after having therefore put the cover back.

And the week is not over for the Belgian who will be on the court again this Thursday with Harris to face the formidable specialists of the discipline Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo. Another victory this time would look like a small feat.