Cameron Norrie, US Open 2017, Flushing Meadows, New York
Photo by DaveShopland/BPI/REX/Shutterstock | Cameron Norrie US Open 2017, Flushing Meadows, New York

Norrie sets up quarter-final clash with Kyrios in Atlanta

By Ros Satar

  • Cameron Norrie def. Jeremy Chardy 5-7 6-4 6-4
  • Faces No. 2 seed Nick Kyrgios (First meeting on tour)
ATLANTA, USA – Cameron Norrie continues his standout year, with a quick start to his US campaign as he reaches his third tour level quarter-final this season.

 

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Cameron Norrie def. Jeremy Chardy 5-7 6-4 6-4

2018 is turning out to be a red-letter year for Cameron Norrie, as his return to his alma mater for pre-US hard-court season is paying dividends. He claimed the scalp of No. 6 seed Jeremy Chardy, coming from a set down to do so.

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The first set actually saw Norrie put Chardy under immediate pressure even before the first change of ends, just unable to convert on a couple of break point chances, so it was very unlucky for Norrie that he just let his guard down slightly to be broken in the last game for the Frenchman to grab the lead.

Norrie did not panic, breaking Chardy with the only break point of the second set and hitting early in the decider for a single break in what was a very competitive bout. It was an impressive scalp as he reached a third quarter-final this season.

 

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Norrie v Nick Kyrgios [2] | First meeting on tour

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The challenges do not get any easier for the new British No. 2. Nick Kyrgios picked up the Atlanta title two years ago but had to drop out of his title defence due to injury last year and is now on a five-match unbeaten streak at the American tournament after easing through his opener.

Kyrgios has still had a fair deal of injury woes already this year, with a niggling elbow injury, and not playing at all in May. He reached the semi-final at Queen’s but lost in the third round of Wimbledon, but he appears to be back in one piece.

He is an unpredictable character with a booming serve and accompanying forehand as the staple of his game. He can combine athleticism with some very flashy shot-making, but at times his focus can waver.

Norrie can do a little bit of everything, and is pretty solid off both wings, but will need his return game to be completely on point if the Kyrgios serve is firing well.

Kyrgios has the bigger match experience but right now Norrie is an unknown quantity to many of the key players on tour – and that could at least pose Kyrgios a few issues.

Prediction: Kyrgios in three sets.