Can Norrie catch the Spiderman of tennis in his web?
Cam’s all-round game has improved dramatically and he has tools to win
It’s the biggest match of Cameron Norrie’s life, but can he really upset the reigning champion Novak Djokovic? Let’s look at how they match up...
BACKHAND
Djokovi C has a classic two-hander which is especially effective when performing the most difficult task of hitting it down the line. For Norrie, it is his signature stroke, a highly unusual but reliable weapon which is comparable only to that of French player Adrian Mannarino.
it is an elaborate bunt with little spin, but its direction is difficult to pick, whether going down the line or cross court. He can manipulate it to get a low bounce.
As his coach Facundo Lugones pointed out: ‘When you have that shot going to the forehand, you can rush them, keep the ball really low and hard, it’s really uncomfortable for most players because they’re not used to it. it’s almost unique.’ there are slight shades of jimmy Connors here. DJOKOVIC 5 out of 5, NORRIE 4.5
FOREHAND
THE serb’s forehand is not one of the blockbusters on the AtP tour, but it is delivered with superb timing and rarely breaks down. He is the great all-rounder.
Norrie has improved this shot, which used to have a loopier trajectory, in sharp and useful contrast to his backhand.
on the grass he is trying to hit it harder and flatter, and likes to finish points by smacking it down the line.
However, it was misfiring and going long during the periods he struggled against David Goffin, and he has to hope it proves more reliable this afternoon. n DJOKOVIC 4.5, NORRIE 4
SERVE
AGAIN, Djokovic is not likely to blow opponents away with his serve, the action of which he slightly changed after suffering elbow problems three years ago. But he is extremely accurate with it and very skilled at hitting the precise spots he is aiming at.
this is another area where Norrie has improved although, as with a lot of his game, it is not a thing of beauty with a certain amount of stop-start in the motion. their stats on serve in this tournament are very similar, and neither would be described as an ace machine. DJOKOVIC 4.5, NORRIE 4
RETURN
DJOKOVIC is one of the greatest returners ever. He sees the ball early and is aided by having great footwork, which shows little sign of slowing down at 35. He is extremely compact with a smooth swing path, allowing him to handle anything thrown at him.
Norrie is no slouch on the return either and more agile than it first appears. it is yet another shot which he has improved. DJOKOVIC 5, NORRIE 4
FITNESS & ATHLETICISM
tHe defending champion is the spiderman of tennis — one of the finest athletes that the sport has ever seen.
His wiry frame and flexibility are tailor-made. He can slide on any surface and, from an opponent’s point of view, he can reach a demoralising number of balls.
Norrie is a deceptively good mover and physically very strong.
His engine is renowned on tour and he can finish a match in the same shape to how he starts it. DJOKOVIC 5, NORRIE 4.5
TEMPERAMENT
WHiLe as tough as they come, there have been signs this season that Djokovic’s confidence has been dented by the events of Australia in january, which was not just draining but stopped him banking his usual early wins.
He will have been pleasantly surprised by the reception he has been given by Centre Court after the controversy which has dogged him, and possibly by the favourable scheduling he has been given.
However, he can react both positively and negatively when faced with hostility, which he is likely to experience playing a Brit.
Norrie is unflappable and able to sustain high concentration levels. He has probably played just enough big matches for the occasion not to get to him.
DJOKOVIC 4.5, NORRIE 5
NOUS & EXPERIENCE
Like all great players, Djokovic is brilliant at finding a way to win, including being shameless in taking tactical toilet breaks.
He knows how to carve opponents open and how to exploit any weaknesses. it is notable that since 2014 he has only been beaten once in a Grand slam semi-final, and this will be his 95th match at Wimbledon.
the circumstances of this clash are unique in that he desperately needs to win the title to keep in touch with Rafa Nadal’s 22 Grand slam titles.
especially as it looks unlikely that he will be permitted to play at the Us open while he remains stubbornly unvaccinated.
this is uncharted territory for Norrie, who in terms of tactics can be slightly predictable as he has fairly set patterns of play that he prefers.
Although not one for massively engaging with the crowd, it might help him this afternoon.
DJOKOVIC 5, NORRIE 4
TOTAL
DJOKOVIC ................... 33.5 NORRIE .......................... 30