OH YES HE CAM
Can souped up Norrie deliver?
from PAUL BROWN at Wimbledon CAM NORRIE won the biggest match of his career and then said: “I want more!”
And the ice-cool British No.1 says he is comfortable being cast as the next Andy Murray after reaching his first-ever major quarter-final.
Norrie, seeded ninth, beat his American buddy and former practice partner Tommy Paul 6-4 7-5 6-4 on Court One in front of a raucous home crowd.
Asked about the responsibility of taking on the hopes of the nation as the last Brit standing in the singles, he said: “I’ll take it!”
Next up for Norrie is a potentially knackered David Goffin, who took four hours and 35 minutes to beat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 5-7 6-4 7-5 in a real marathon.
And with Murray already out and his place at top of British tennis a thing of the past, Norrie is happy to take up the mantle, however much pressure that brings with it.
He said: “Andy is still around. But, yeah, I’m feeling comfortable doing that and really enjoying playing at this level, first of all.
“If I can help any of the younger guys, there’s a big group coming through with a lot of talent and chances to make the top hundred.
“If I can be that guy to lead them on and to show they can do it, I will. I can show them a good path, if you can stay professional and make good decisions.
“At the beginning of the tournament I was asked about being British No.1 with a lot of pressure and expectations on my shoulders. “For me to play the way that I did in all my matches so far means a lot. Unfortunately, I’m the last one standing – but I think it’s even more reason for everyone to get behind me.”
Norrie never looked in any serious danger against a player ranked 20 places below him in the world rankings.
There was no fuss and no drama as the 26-year-old left-hander, who hit 26 winners and did not serve a single double fault, wrapped it all up in two hours 21 minutes.
In doing so he became the first British man into the quarters here since Murray in 2017.
Norrie – who was born in South Africa, grew up in New Zealand and went to college in the US – breezed through his third round match.
And he made a fast start in this one, breaking 30th seed Paul’s serve in the opening game. The American didn’t take the first of his seven break points until deep into the second set, and when he did Norrie promptly broke straight back to go two sets up.
Looking stronger and stronger, Norrie then went an early break up in the third and looked to be completely cruising.
His serve stayed reliable and, even though Norrie blew one match point, he took the second before skipping and fist-pumping across the grass in celebration.