Ryan Harrison got off to a tremendous start to the 2018 season, reaching the final at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp. But after that, the American won just 10 of his next 25 matches.

He has reversed that momentum quickly this week in Atlanta. Harrison beat Australian Open semi-finalist and reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Hyeon Chung 6-7(3), 6-2, 7-6(5) on Friday to reach the last four at the BB&T Atlanta Open.

“This is exactly what the doctor ordered for me,” Harrison said on court after the match. “It was a little nervy from both of us there at the end, but I’m really happy to get through.”

The American saved all five break points he faced in the match, including three at 2-3 in the decider, winning an impressive 83 per cent of first-serve points against his 22-year-old opponent. It is the third consecutive match in which Harrison has had to battle from down a set, before eventually advancing.

"I knew today I would have to play better and even though I had a couple nervous moments, I thought that I did a pretty good job of responding," Harrison said. "Even after making a couple unforced errors in the tie-break, I was still able to get it done. That’s kind of how it happens when you are trying to find your confidence. You have to find a way to win, even if you have a few hiccups. I got through, so I am really happy."

Find Out Harrison's First Pinch-Me Moment On The ATP World Tour

It is the 26-year-old Harrison's fourth trip to the semi-finals at this event, and he is trying to reach the championship match for the second consecutive year (l. to Isner in 2017). Harrison will next face Brit Cameron Norrie, who advanced while leading 7-5, 3-0 when second seed Nick Kyrgios retired due to a left hip injury.

It is Norrie's second ATP World Tour semi-final after making it that far at the Open Parc Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Lyon earlier this year. The left-handed 22-year-old was No. 275 in the ATP Rankings this time last season, but he now has a chance to reach his maiden tour-level final. 

"It feels great to get into the semis, but not the way I wanted to do it today," Norrie said. "I have played really really well all week. I am looking forward to my match tomorrow against Harrison. It is going to be a battle. We have both played good tennis all week."

Harrison Does Double Duty
After advancing to the semi-finals in singles, Harrison did the same in doubles, partnering with compatriot Rajeev Ram to oust reigning Wimbledon champion Mike Bryan and his partner, #NextGenATP Frances Tiafoe, 7-6(6), 6-4. They will face Indian Purav Raja and Brit Ken Skupski in the last four. 

Monaco's Romain Arneodo and Frenchman Jeremy Chardy moved past Eastbourne champions Luke Bambridge and Jonny O'Mara 6-2, 7-5 to set a semi-final clash against third seeds Nicholas Monroe and John-Patrick Smith.

Did You Know?
While Harrison and Norrie have never played at the professional level, the Brit has beaten Christian Harrison, Ryan's brother, twice. The left-hander triumphed earlier this year in BNP Paribas Open qualifying and last year at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Binghamton, New York.