By Glenys Furness
- Cameron Norrie wins first challenger title
- Defeated top seed to lift the trophy
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK, USA – Cameron Norrie claims first ATP Challenger Tour title in a stunning run on the hard courts.
Brit of the Week
Cameron Norrie claimed his first ATP Challenger tour title in Binghamton, New York. Having been drawn against the third seed Ramkumar Ramanathan in the first round, the Brit would not have an easy ride. The Indian stuck with Norrie in the first set and forced a tiebreak, however the Brit dominated the breaker to take the set. The second set was much more of an easy ride for the Brit, as he broke the third seed more or less at will to progress in straight sets 7-6(3), 6-2.
The second round the Brit faced Daniel Nguyen. The American was no match for Norrie who strolled through the match in straight sets in just over an hour. The Brit dropped only six games in the whole match to book a spot in the quarter finals 6-3, 6-3.
In the quarter final Norrie was against the eighth seed Blaz Rola. In the first set it appeared that the Slovenian would end the run of the Brit as Rola took the first set, the first that Norrie had dropped all tournament. Norrie fought back in the second set to obtain the break needed and level up the match. In the final set the Brit once again managed to sneak a break of serve on the Slovenian which was enough to take the match and book a spot in the semi final 3-6, 6-4. 6-4.
The semi final opponent was Christian Harrison (younger brother of Ryan Harrison). On paper there was only one ATP ranking place between the two, but the gap in the performance was much larger. The Brit dominated the match, not letting the American get into it. Norrie only lost four games in the whole match to book a spot in the final 6-2, 6-2.
The final would be a tricky affair as the player across the net was the top seed Jordan Thompson. The Australian got off to a shaky start as Norrie broke serve to get the first set. The second set was very one way traffic as the top seed totally dominated the Brit who couldn’t get a game on the board. The third set looked to be heading in a very similar direction with the Brit 1-4 down. However Norrie was not giving up easily and won the next five games to get the title 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.
Norrie is the third Briton to win the title in Binghamton, Andy Murray (2005) and Kyle Edmund (2015) have both pushed on since.
Other Challenger and ITF round ups
Ed Corrie lost in the second round at Binghamton.
Liam Broady came through qualifying in Granby before losing in second round to the top seed Blaz Kavcic.
Next week Brits play in Washington, Kitzbuhel, Chengdu, & Lexington.
Main Image: © Jane Stokes DJ Stotty Images
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Subscribe to Britwatch Sports | |
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |