BRIT NORRIE BACKED TO TEST FEDERER IN THIRD ROUND

Leon Smith has backed Cameron Norrie to give Roger Federer a real test when they clash in the third round of Wimbledon today.

British No 2 Norrie, pictured, continued his brilliant season by beating Alex Bolt to reach the last 32 at the All England Club for the first time.

He is yet to go further, and will of course be the underdog against eighttime champion Federer, who was much improved against Richard Gasquet on Thursday, but there are several reasons to believe the 25-year-old could spring an upset.

Smith, Britain’s Davis Cup captain, said: “He’s going to have to play a great match, that’s obvious, but the way he’s playing – there’s a reason why he’s number 12 in the race rankings this year.

“He knows he’s fit enough; if he needs to go five sets with him, he can go five sets.

“He’s just got to go out and make it as difficult as possible and make it as physical as possible – I think that’s important for him. He's played on big courts, he’s more used to those environments, which is great. He’ll get great support. It’s great for him. He deserves opportunities like this.”

Since the start of 2021, Norrie has reached the third round at both the French and Australian Opens, made three ATP Tour finals, including on grass at Queen's Club, and beaten five top-20 players.

Norrie does not have a particularly big serve or a standout shot, with his rise built on supreme fitness and athleticism and a relentless approach to each point.

Smith said: “His weapons are different. His weapons are his mindset, his operating standards, work ethic.”