Cameron Norrie has predominantly enjoyed playing a defensive, physically demanding style throughout his career, utilizing his ability to wear down opponents and overpower them. However, during this week’s matches at Melbourne Park, Norrie has displayed a new level of play. He has played with a newfound freedom and diversity, which was evident in his close match against the sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Though Norrie ultimately lost 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3), he held his own against one of the top players in the world.
Norrie expressed disappointment, but also sees it as an opportunity to improve his game. Despite being evenly matched with his opponent, he acknowledges that he was outplayed in their previous encounter in Vienna. However, he was able to change his approach and have a different outcome this time.
The 4hr 5min battle marked the end of a brilliant tournament for Norrie, the 19th seed, in his first foray to the second week in Melbourne. Most notably, he did so by playing more freely and proactively, both committing to his offence and showing off his ability to move forward to the net and disrupt with drop shots.
During the middle of the competition, an individual advocating for Palestine caused a temporary disruption by tossing pamphlets onto the court. The pamphlets stated “WAR CRIMES AND GENOCIDE” and “FREE PALESTINE”. Other audience members eventually removed the protester from the court.
Norrie faced a tough opponent for the second consecutive match, as he had a history of being unable to defeat them. Despite his impressive win against 11th seed Casper Ruud, who had previously beaten him in three matches, Norrie was up against Zverev once again. Zverev had defeated Norrie in all four of their previous ATP matches in straight sets.
While Norrie initially had a strong serve in the contest, Zverev’s dominant serving caused him to struggle to hold. After losing a few service games, Norrie fell behind by a set and a break at 7-5, 3-2. However, Norrie made a great comeback with a strong return game and confidently finished the set. He also showcased excellent serving, powerful forehand shots down the line, and took advantage of Zverev’s weak forehand.
Zverev swiftly answered back in the third set. He regained control of his serve, effortlessly winning his service games. He took advantage of Norrie’s weak serve and took the lead 2-1. Despite facing potential defeat, Norrie played some of his strongest tennis in the fourth set. He continued to play aggressively, using well-placed drop shots and strategic net approaches.
Next was the ultimate round. Whenever Zverev made a move, Norrie retaliated. Initially, he successfully fended off Zverev at 3-3 with an impressive display of determination, saving three potential breaks with continuous aggression and ultimately holding his serve. Later on, when trailing 0-30 at 5-5, Norrie dug himself out of a difficult situation by taking control and securing a crucial tie-break.
Norrie was in control for most of the match, but when it came down to a crucial moment, his performance declined. He made a couple of mistakes with his drop shots and even double faulted while trailing 5-2. Zverev, being the experienced player he is, took advantage of this opportunity and secured the win.
After four hours, Norrie left Margaret Court Arena to a round of applause. He had suffered from exhaustion and a wrist injury before the Australian Open, but managed to regain his top form in the first few rounds and has been playing exceptionally well since then. This has set him up for a successful season.
On the other hand, Zverev keeps achieving victories despite facing intense scrutiny. Prior to his first-round game, the Berlin criminal courts announced that the German player will have a public trial later this year for allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, who is also the mother of his child. Zverev maintains his innocence.
Zverev’s upcoming opponent will be Carlos Alcaraz, who delivered his strongest performance of the tournament thus far by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 as the No. 2 seed. Alcaraz’s win also makes him the fourth youngest male to make it to the semi-finals of all four grand slam events.
In the remaining quarter-finals, Novak Djokovic will compete against Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev will take on Hubert Hurkacz, and Jannik Sinner will go up against Andrey Rublev.
Source: theguardian.com
