By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [9] def Carlos Alcaraz [3] 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-4
- Norrie v Borna Coric [PR] | H2H: Tied at 1-1
CINCINNATI, USA – Cameron Norrie ended his three match losing streak to Carlos Alcaraz by winning in three brutal sets to set up a semi-final meeting with Borna Coric in Cincinnati.
[table “ADPDAll” not found /]
Cameron Norrie [9] def Carlos Alcaraz [3] 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-4
Cameron Norrie is into the semi-finals in Cincinnati after a brutal three hour victory over third seed Carlos Alcaraz. Norrie with the win ended a three match losing streak against the Spaniard in what was a rollercoaster match. It was Norrie who was under the most pressure in the opening set with Alcaraz implementing a mix of aggressive baseline tennis with effective drop-shots to catch the Brit off guard.
However Norrie responded with some brutal shot-making of his own and bold serving to sabe four break points in his opening two service games. In the second half of the set it was Norrie’s turn to force the break points with Alcaraz producing some world-class defence to save three break points and force an opening set tiebreak.
Both players put on some world class tennis but it was Norrie’s athleticism and anticipation that saw him guess Alcaraz’s next move and win the crucial points. In the end it was a mis-placed backhand from the Spaniard that saw the Brit take the opening set tiebreak 7-4 in a 71 minute set.
The second set was just as much as a marathon as the opening set with Alcaraz once again producing some sensational returning as he created five break points in the opening two return games. Once again though Norrie came out on top when it mattered most with Alcaraz looking frustrated at not taking his chances.
That frustration was justified as Norrie applied the pressure in the fourth game as some aggressive shots from the middle of the court saw him break and hold as he went 4-1 up in the second set. It looked like Norrie was cruising to victory, but Alcaraz had other ideas as in the seventh game, the Spaniard took advantage of a tired-looking game to comfortably break back for 4-3.
Alcaraz made a late push for the break towards the end of the set but ultimately another set would be played out in this thrilling match. This time it was Alcaraz who produced the big points in the big moments and a stunning rally on the tenth point saw him rally the crowd behind him. A backhand into the net from Norrie and this match, to the crowd’s delight, was heading to a deciding set.
In the final set both players gave everything especially on serve as opportunities to break were few and far between. Both players did exchange breaks in the fourth and fifth game with Alcaraz striking first before a world-class response from Norrie to break back.
In the end it came down to an insane return game from Norrie in the ninth game and despite Alcaraz’s ridiculous efforts to save the break points, the Brit converted his fifth break point to serve for the match. An ace sealed one of the biggest victories by ranking of Norrie’s career to seal a place in the last four in Cincinnati and a move up the rankings to nine in the world.
Cameron Norrie [9] v Borna Coric [PR] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [9] v Borna Coric [PR] | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| ATP Cincinnati | Cincinnati, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $289,655 |
| Fourth on Center Court (Not before 23:00 BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Norrie will now face a rejuvenated Borna Coric in the semi-finals with the Croatian knocking out a number of big players to reach the last four.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 11) | Borna Coric (WR 152) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R1 (2020, 2021) | QF (2016) |
| 1st Serve % | 66.1 | 60.9 |
| Service Games Won % | 81 | 79.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.1 | 59.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53.4 | 47.2 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.6 | 34.4 |
Coric’s serve has improved drastically this week but Norrie’s returning is still by far the more effective heading into this match.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Coric’s return to the tour hadn’t gone to plan so far until this week as he has played some inspired tennis to beat Rafael Nadal, Roberto Bautista Agut and Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the semis. On his day the Croatian can beat anyone with his consistent power and big serving as he looks to cap off the perfect win by winning his maiden Masters 1000 title.
Norrie will look to continue to be aggressive from defensive positions and use his variety to force the errors from Coric’s racket. The Croatian will look to continue to serve effectively and disrupt Norrie’s return game as much as possible, putting him under pressure with powerful depth. The question will be how much Norrie will have left in the tank and whether Coric can keep playing this level of tennis. This will be a tough test but instinct says that the Brit will prevail in three sets.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Cincinnati
| Live Stream | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Live Scores on Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |