NORRIE IN WITH A SHOUT
Brit overcomes a host of issues to triumph in first Paris match
CAMERON NORRIE survived a flamboyant Frenchman, a febrile crowd and an “absurd call” from a German umpire to be the last Brit standing at the French Open.
Jack Draper had earlier followed Dan Evans out – and a quick Parisian Brexit in the singles was close when the British No.1 trailed toWorld No.149 Benoit Paire.
But Norrie fought back to beat the French wildcard in five loud sets – and silence the cheers and boos of Paire’s fans in Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
Norrie said: “It’s great to play those matches in Grand Slams against home favourites, and that’s why I play tennis. It was a really tough match. It was nice to get through it.”
But Norrie, the World No.14, was penalised by German umpire Nico Helwerth after grunting loudly during a rally in the second set.
It was the second controversial call against a British player in two days after Evans was called for a back-foot foot fault during his defeat on Sunday. Last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist lost the game and the next two sets before recovering to win to 7-5 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4.
Mild-mannered Norrie was still aggrieved by the “unacceptable” decision after his win.
He said: “It was a big point. I don’t know why he felt it was necessary to get involved there. He gave me no warning.
“It changed the momentum of the match. It was strange. He must have thought that I said something, and I think for him to get involved there was absurd.
“Even with Evo yesterday, he was nowhere near foot faulting and the guy is calling him on the other side of the net.
“For them to get involved doesn’t make any sense. I’m fighting my a*** off and one call could influence the match. For sure. it’s unacceptable.
“If he makes a decision wrong, there’s no consequences. If I do something wrong, I can lose the match.”
Norrie repeatedly looked in danger of losing in this rollercoaster clash. Chants of “Allez Benoit” and “Ole, ole” rang round the packed court while play was delayed by Mexican waves and singing of La Marseillaise.
But temperamental Paire did not win another game from 4-2 up in the fifth set. He said: “It’s due to the stress, the fact that I wanted to do things well.”
Norrie will face another Frenchman, qualifier Lucas Pouille, in the second round tomorrow.
Only three British players were in the singles after 10 failed in qualifying and Norrie’s win avoided a repeat of 2020 when Britain had no singles wins here.
He said: “It’s unfortunate not to have Andy (Murray) here. “It’s disappointing not to have more Brits through.”
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz progressed with a 6-0 6-2 7-5 win over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli.