NORRIE’S BOTTLE OF BRITAIN

Queen’s Club:

CAM NORRIE is the last home hope at Queen’s after winning his Battle of Britain against Jack Draper last night.

But Brit-slayer Matteo Berrettini is the man to beat this weekend after also reaching the semi-finals by sending home Dan Evans.

British No.2 Norrie reached the last four by wearing down 19-year-old wild card Draper 6-3 6-3 in the gathering gloom in West London.

The world No.41, who will play his fourth semi-final of the year in search of his maiden ATP Tour title, said: “It wasn’t easy today – the court was pretty slippery towards the end. I am really pleased to be through – I am happy with the way I handled everything.

“I am really happy how I am playing right now.

“All credit to Jack – he is going to have a wonderful career.”

Italian No.1 seed Berrettini, who cut short Andy Murray’s latest comeback in the second round, continued his hot form in chilly London by seeing off British No.1 Evans 7-6 6-3. Evans, above, said: “I don’t think I played too bad of a match.

“I’m frustrated with how it turned out so it’s good to get away and leave the tennis court for a few days and then probably head into Wimbledon, I imagine, on Tuesday. I will head home and live a bit normal for a few days, enjoy myself, relax. “There’s no more real work to be done between now and Wimbledon.

“I’m right there or thereabouts where I want to be at this point on the grass.” World No.9 Berrettini said: “I came here to win the tournament. I am now two steps away.”

Berrettini will today face Alex De Minaur after the Australian ensured there will be a new Queen’s Club champion by beating two-time winner Marin Cilic 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Norrie will face the winner of the unfinished quarter-final between Frances Tiafoe and Denis Shapovalov.

There was no play at the Viking Classic in Birmingham yesterday so today’s Super Saturday will have four quarter-finals – including Heather Watson against Donna Vekic – and the semi-finals.