By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [9] def Holger Rune 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4
- Andy Murray [WC] def Stan Wawrinka [PR] 7-6(3) 5-7 7-5
- Norrie v Murray | H2H: Murray leads 1-0
CINCINNATI, USA – Cameron Norrie and Andy Murray both survived opening round tests from Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka respectively to set up a second round showdown in Cincinnati.
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Andy Murray [WC] def Stan Wawrinka [PR] 7-6(3) 5-7 7-5; Cameron Norrie [9] def Holger Rune 7-6(5) 4-6 6-4
Cameron Norrie and Andy Murray both survived opening round scares against Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka respectively to reach the second round. Starting with Murray, the Brit was in desperate need of some positives heading into the US Open after some underwhelming results mixed with concerning fitness issues.
However Murray started this match with good authority as he looked to dictate the points from the baseline with some good angles. Wawrinka was equally as desperate for some wins and also started the match well, exposing Murray’s forehand and setting up some sharp winners.
Both players served well throughout the opening set but it was Murray who was tested more as he had to come up with some big serving to save three break points. The opening set went to a tiebreak and it was Murray who looked more solid and made less unforced errors as he punished Wawrinka’s poor second serve to win the tiebreak 7-3 and take a set advantage.
Murray continued to dig deep in the second set displaying some incredible athleticism to turn defence into attack. Despite this, Wawrinka refused to give up and was persistent especially with his forehand as he continued to use his power to produce efficient points. In the end Wawrinka’s efficiency prevailed as he broke twice in three return games to seal the second set and force a deciding set.
The Brit was frustrated and that turned to anger when Wawrinka sealed the early initiative for a 2-0 lead. Murray bounced straight back though, using the width of the court to nail a backhand winner. Not much celebrating for the Brit though as he continued to struggle with cramping issues.
Those cramping issues would ease off as the set went on and Murray would seal the crucial break with a fine return deep return winner as he would serve out the match. After a game of constant pressure from Wawrinka, Murray held his nerve to seal the win on his fourth match point.
Murray will now play Norrie in the second round with the ninth seed overcoming a physical battle with Rune. Both players hit form early in the match as Rune showed his aggressive returning early on and broke for a 4-2 lead. However Norrie’s variety and defensive quality showed as he broke straight back and would win the crucial points to take the tiebreak 7-5.
Rune bounced back in the second set though as he continued to show his powerful consistency as he broke to love to begin the set. Despite being broken back in the eighth game, Rune went back on the attack and won the next two games to force a deciding set.
Both players continued to show their returning quality in the final set with both players sharing breaks of serve in the sixth and seventh games. However Norrie’s physical and mental stamina paid off in the final set as he held in a long ninth game to deny the Dane the break. Then Norrie produced some stunning returns as Rune slowly faded away with the Brit securing the break and the victory on his second opportunity.
Cameron Norrie [9] v Andy Murray [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [9] v Andy Murray [WC] | H2H: Murray leads 1-0 |
| ATP Cincinnati | Cincinnati, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $45,315 |
| First on Centre Court at 11am (4pm BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
The pair’s only meeting came in Beijing three years ago where Murray won in three sets but a lot has changed for both players since then.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 11) | Andy Murray (WR 47) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R1 (2020, 2021) | Winner (2008, 2011) |
| 1st Serve % | 66.2 | 60.1 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.5 | 81.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 61.5 | 58.6 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53.2 | 54.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.5 | 38.9 |
Norrie is the more clinical player heading into this match but will need to be wary of Murray’s second serve return.
Playing Styles and Prediction
The key to the match for Murray will be to serve well and remain consistently aggressive on the return. The Brit will need to take as much time as possible away from Norrie to deny him time and space to be aggressive. The use of slice and drop-shots should also be implemented to break down Norrie’s defensive game.
As for Norrie, the ninth seed will look to use his serve to deny Murray the opportunity to make high-quality returns. Norrie will also look to mix the tempo of the rallies up and open up the space on the court for winners. Norrie’s physical stamina should mean that he will win this match comfortably but this match will serve as a test for Murray to see what he can do at the US Open in a couple of weeks time.
Prediction: Norrie in straight sets.
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