Cincinnati Masters 2011: Novak Djokovic vs. Ryan Harrison Preview

Novak Djokovic is on the order of play for the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday, August 17th.

The world No. 1 received a first-round bye in the tournament and now draws Ryan Harrison, a 19-year-old American.

Harrison appears to be the USA's next tennis prodigy as he is already in the Top 80 and rising. He also made headlines earlier in the season when he reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells, defeating three Top 50 players en route.

At the time, the American was still just 18-years-old. He definitely has ample talent.

However, that talent will likely need time to blossom before he can hang around with the current world No. 1.

Djokovic enters the second round in Cincinnati with two days' rest after winning the Rogers Cup title on Sunday in Montreal.

Lifting championship trophies is something that the Serb has become accustomed to, having won each Masters Series event in 2011 with the exception of Monte-Carlo, which he did not participate in.

The world No. 1 is certainly beatable, but it will likely take a more developed player than Harrison to end Djokovic's run on hard court. The Serbian enters Wednesday's match having won all of his matches on hard court in 2011.

The two players have never met before on tour, but that does not change my prediction for the match.

Growing pains for Harrison, straight sets for the Serbinator.

Not Before 7:00 PM

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [WC] Ryan Harrison (USA) - ATP