British No 2 Norrie loses to Tsitsipas in Lyon final
Cameron Norrie could not turn his fine clay court form into a title-winning run, losing the ATP Tour final in Lyon yesterday in straight sets to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Greece's 22-year-old Tsitsipas dismissed the British No 2 in straightforward fashion, in a manner that did no justice to Norrie's excellent recent results, which included a last-16 win over US Open champion Dominic Thiem.
Tsitsipas prevailed 6-3, 6-3 for his second title of the season after winning in Monte Carlo.
The Greek world No 5 took just 70 minutes to claim the Lyon prize, breaking Norrie, ranked 44 places below him, twice in the second set to seal victory.
Norrie's wait for a first ATP Tour title continues then, with the 25-year-old having lost the final in Estoril to Albert Ramos-vinolas earlier this month.
"It wasn't an easy match today, and I'm proud of my focus and how I stayed concentrated on the goal," said Tsitsipas in his on-court interview.
"I knew it would be a difficult one against Cameron who has been showing great tennis this week.
"He has been winning against good players and showing what the left hand can do on clay. It was not an easy match today.”
Tsitsipas has now won the most matches on the ATP Tour in 2021 with 33.
Looking ahead to the French Open, he added: "For the French (Open) now, it's about getting there as early as possible, starting practice and trying to get in shape for a grand slam tournament that I love."