When Tommy Haas made his debut at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in 2002, rising star Riley Opelka was just four-year-old. In actualy fact, Opelka wasn’t even born when the German made his grand slam debut at the 1996 US Open.
It was for this reason why their Monday clash in Houston attracted widespread attention. The match was a battle of Haas’ experience against Opelka’s youth. The 20-year age gap between the two was the eight biggest to ever occur in a ATP or grand slam match since 1985. Ultimately, it was experience which prevailed as semi-retired Haas triumphed 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3, to win his first main draw match (in singles) since August 2015.
“It’s nice to win these matches, especially against the young guys who are going to be around for a long time,” said the former world No.2.
“The nerves when you’re trying to win a match are something you can’t practice. You can run all day on the treadmill, be in the gym a lot, but you can’t substitute that for match play,” he added.
Haas’ win is one for others to inspire to. Throughout his career, he has had to undergo no fewer than nine surgeries and suffered a bout of pneumonia at the start of this year. Still, it has failed to deter the German from his dream of ending his career on his own terms and not when his body gives up.
“I just want to be able to finish on my own terms and play the tournaments that I’ve enjoyed one more time.”
In the second round, Haas faces a daunting clash with top seed Jack Sock. Both men are former champions at the tournament. The 39-year-old defeated Andy Roddick to seal the 2004 trophy, whilst Sock overcame Sam Querrey in the 2015 final. The two have played each other twice before with the head-to-head level at 1-1.
“I’m very happy to be playing another match,” said Haas. “Hopefully my body will recover and be ready to go on Wednesday.”
Now the tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, 2017 is set to be Haas’ final season on the tour. It will bring to an end his 21-year career, where he has won a total of 15 ATP titles. Still, the tour veteran maintains the same fighting spirit as the one he had 20 years ago.
“I don’t know any other way, to be honest. If I’m not trying to win the match and play to the best of my ability, then I don’t see the point,” he said.
The probability of Haas winning the Houston title remains highly unlikely. Nevertheless, he has already won over the crowd at the River Oaks Country Club.
