By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [2] def Jiri Lehecka [Q] 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3
- Norrie v Marcos Giron | H2H: Tied at 1-1
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Cameron Norrie survived a big test from Jiri Lehecka to reach the quarter-finals in Auckland where he will face Marcos Giron.
 |
Cameron Norrie [2] def Jiri Lehecka [Q] 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3
Cameron Norrie battled his way into the quarter-finals in Auckland with a tough three set win over Jiri Lehecka. Norrie had to overcome a tricky start and tricky conditions in Auckland to win this match as Lehecka was aggressive in the opening stages of the match.
The Brit was forced to save break point in the second game before creating three break points of his own in the fifth game with some consistent hitting from the baseline. However Lehecka saved all three break points and produced some attacking tennis in the next game as he sealed the break for a 4-2 lead.
That break for Lehecka was followed by an even better response from the world number 12 as Norrie was at his clinical best on return. The Brit sealed two consecutive breaks of serve and four games in a row as he clinched the opening set with ease as the Czech Republican qualifier just produced too many unforced errors.
In the second set there was nothing to separate the two players as both players served consistently well in the second set. Both players had their chances, starting with Norrie who had three break points in the fifth game. However Lehecka produced some attacking tennis to fend off the pressure from the British number one as he held with authority.
Then in the twelfth game it was Lehecka who put his opponent under pressure as the qualifier had two set points on the Norrie serve. However some consistently deep shot-making saw Norrie survive as the second set would go to a tiebreak. It was a tiebreak that was dominated by Lehecka as the 21 year-old forced a deciding set.
In the end though, Norrie showed his class and efficiency as he played an immaculate final set of tennis. The Brit converted the only break point opportunity in the second game for a 2-0 lead and after that only lost one point on serve to clinch victory and book his place in the last eight.
Cameron Norrie [2] v Marcos Giron H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [2] v Marcos Giron | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| ATP Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $19,425 |
| First on Centre Court (23:00 GMT) | TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
Norrie will now face Marcos Giron for a place in the semi-finals with Giron winning their only meeting last year in Vienna.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 12) | Marcos Giron (WR 60) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Final (2019) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 66.1 | 61.8 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.6 | 78.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.5 | 57.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53 | 47 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.7 | 38.7 |
Norrie look to be aware of Giron’s efficiency on second serve return as the Brit will need to serve better than he did in their last meeting in Vienna.
 |
Playing Styles and Prediction
Giron had a solid 2022 but will want to improve his results at the big tournaments if he wants to break into the world’s top 50. The American has a big, consistent serve mixed with rally tolerance from the baseline that can trouble any player on his day.
Norrie will look to be aggressive from the baseline and test the American’s defensive skills with the Brit needing to produce a high level on return. Giron will look to neutralise Norrie’s variety by producing deep shots that puts the Brit in uncomfortable positions in the court. This will be a good test for Norrie but one in his current form he should prevail in given his confidence right now.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Auckland
| Live Stream | TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |