NORRIE BRINGING IT HOME IN STYLE
CAM NORRIE was born in South Africa to a Scottish father and Welsh mother, grew up in Auckland and for a while represented New Zealand.
But at Wimbledon last night he was indisputably the pride of Britain as he planted a Union Jack firmly into the last 16 of these championships.
Like Heather Watson in the women’s singles hours earlier, Norrie powered to a straight sets win, outclassing America’s Steve Johnson to make it a day to remember for the home nation.
It is the first time a Briton has been in round four of the men’s singles draw in five years.
“It feels really good, especially here at Wimbledon, at home,” said Norrie, who switched allegiance to Britain nine years ago.
“It’s my first time in the second week of a Grand Slam and I couldn’t be happier, especially with all my friends and family watching me.
“I want to keep going and keep ticking all boxes. I’ve peaked at the right time. I’m as ready as I can be.”
Watching Norrie blow away the world No.93 6-4 6-1 6-0 was
Pat Cash, former Wimbledon champion turned pundit.
Discovering that the 26-year old will play another American, Tommy Paul, in the next round, Cash described it as a “big” challenge.
But he added: “There are great opportunities for players to break through at the biggest Grand Slam there is and Norrie looks ready. He’s played the biggest players over the last 18 months and he’s been beating them.”
Norrie’s performance brought joy to fans still processing the disappointment of early exits for Sir Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu.
He did nothing spectacular but covered every inch of grass and preyed on the many mistakes of Johnson, sealing victory in style with an ace.
Asked for the secret of his success, Norrie was interrupted by a cry of “Weetabix” from an over-excited spectator. “Maybe a combination of that!” he laughed, “enjoying playing at this level, the process and enjoying improving with my coach and my team.
On ranking, Norrie did what was expected of him. Seeded nine in the draw and 12 in the global order, he was the class act on show.
“In one of the biggest matches of my career I was very relaxed,” said Norrie. “I had a great opportunity today and managed to play the level that I wanted to. It was fun out there.”
Defending champion Novak Djokovic breezed into the fourth round, beating compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-0 6-3 6-4 in under two hours. It earned him a last-16 date with Dutch wonder kid Tim van Rijthoven.