By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [2] def Tomas Martin Etcheverry 5-7 6-0 6-3
- Norrie v Juan Pablo Varillas [Q] | H2H: First Meeting
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – Cameron Norrie is into the semi-finals in Argentina after a three set win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry and now faces qualifier Juan Pablo Varillas in the last four.
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Cameron Norrie [2] def Tomas Martin Etcheverry 5-7 6-0 6-3
Cameron Norrie is into the last four in Buenos Aires after a three set win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Just like Norrie’s previous match, the Brit started the match in slow fashion with Martin Etcheverry creating some aggressive returns early on. However Norrie survived the early wave of attack from the Argentinian in heavy conditions as he saved three break points to hold in the opening game.
After the early blip in performance, Norrie managed to gain some rhythm on serve and create effective winners to hold serve comfortably. That was also the case for Etcheverry who was grinding from the baseline forcing errors from the second seed. As the set was reaching its conclusion both players had chances to break with Norrie forcing the Argentinian to deuce in the tenth game.
Norrie couldn’t get the crucial break and was ultimately punished in the next game as the world number 82 converted break point in the eleventh game to secure the break for a 6-5 lead. The Brit pushed for the break but ultimately couldn’t convert his two break points with a misfired backhand conceding the set to the Argentinian.
There were multiple rain delays throughout the match and the first rain delay after the opening set seemed to change the momentum in Norrie’s favour. The Brit came out much more aggressive and took up more attacking return positions as the Argentinian struggled to defend Norrie’s power. The world number 12’s backhand did most of the damage as he secured three consecutive breaks to secure a 40 minute set.
Norrie continued the momentum into the final set as he continued to dictate play from the baseline with his power especially from the forehand. The Brit broke down all of the Argentinian’s defensive play as he took a double break lead at 5-1. Etcheverry sealed one of the breaks back but it was only a consolation prize as Norrie sealed victory with an Etcheverry forehand into the net.
Cameron Norrie [2] v Juan Pablo Varillas [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [2] v Juan Pablo Varillas [Q] | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $32,680 |
| Second on Court Guillermo Vilas (Not before 19:00 GMT Time) | TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
Norrie will now face qualifier Juan Pablo Varillas in the semi-finals after the Peruvian defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the last eight.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 12) | Juan Pablo Varillas (WR 101) |
| Tournament Previous Best | QR2 (2019) | QR2 (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 66.8 | 58.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 81 | 86.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 64.5 | 66 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53.8 | 50.2 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.1 | 42.4 |
Norrie will look to use his clinical return to break down the effective and accurate serving of Pablo Varillas.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Pablo Varillas made his mark last season when he tested Felix Auger-Aliassime at Roland Garros last year. The Peruvian is at his best on clay as he uses his speed and accurate serving to dominate play. Now Pablo Varillas will look to use the red dirt to climb up the rankings and force his way into the world’s top 80-100.
Norrie will look to play like he did in the last two sets of his quarter-final match by accelerating the pace of the rallies on his backhand and will look to use a variety of depth to catch the qualifier off guard. Pablo Varillas will look to use his forehand to maintain a consistent level of play throughout the match and will look to keep a high first serve percentage to prevent Norrie from dictating play on return. This will be a tough test for Norrie but he should have the quality to edge into the final.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
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