By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie def Zachary Svajda [Q] 7-5 6-4
- Norrie v Arthur Rinderknech [9] | H2H: Norrie leads 2-0
DELRAY BEACH, USA – Cameron Norrie defeated Zachary Svajda in straight sets to reach the second round in Delray Beach where he will face Arthur Rinderknech.
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Cameron Norrie def Zachary Svajda [Q] 7-5 6-4
Cameron Norrie is into the second round in Delray Beach after defeating Zachary Svajda in straight sets. The British number two made the perfect start to the contest as he took advantage of the American’s nervy start. A forehand unforced error from the qualifier secured the break in the opening game for Norrie in what was relatively slow conditions. There was a comfortable hold to consolidate the break as Norrie didn’t lack confidence to start the match, continuing his form from Dallas last week.
However, as has often been the case in Norrie’s matches, the Brit lacked concentration and consistency in order to maintain the lead. The American was more consistent and aggressive on return as he applied pressure on the Norrie serve, which was rewarded with a break of serve for 2-2. There was an immediate response from Norrie as he worked the angles on the backhand side to break back and secure a 3-2 lead with both players looking passive on serve.
Once again Norrie was too safe on serve as the set progressed with Svajda’s impressive athleticism earning the American a break back at 3-3 with the world number 169 consolidating to love in the following game. Norrie responded with some confident holds of serve of his own with the Brit doing his best to resist the firepower that was on show from Svajda. The former champion’s resilience paid off as he broke for a 6-5 lead before closing out the set with an ace.
In the second set both players started confidently on serve but it was Norrie who dealt the first blow as he won an exhausting exchange to break serve for a 3-2 lead. Just like the first set, Svajda refused to surrender and tested Norrie’s character once again as he broke straight back for 3-3.
As the set went on, Norrie was playing with more freedom and tested Svajda’s serve in the ninth game with the American lacking that cutting edge on serve. The American battled well to save five break points but it was sixth time lucky for Norrie, who broke with a backhand down-the-line winner.
Victory was secured with a forehand winner as Norrie held comfortably to book his place in the second round.
Cameron Norrie v Arthur Rinderknech [9] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie v Arthur Rinderknech [9] | H2H: Norrie leads 2-0 |
| ATP Delray Beach 2025 | Delray Beach, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $11,935 |
| Third on Stadium (Not before 19:30 GMT) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Norrie will take on Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech for a place in the quarter-finals of Delray Beach as the Brit bids to win back-to-back matches at a tournament for the second time this season.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 61) | Arthur Rinderknech (WR 65) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Champion (2022) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 66.3 | 62.9 |
| Service Games Won % | 79 | 83.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.4 | 65.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.3 | 44.7 |
| Break Points Converted % | 38.4 | 33 |
Norrie will need to return smartly and pick his moments to be aggressive as Rinderknech has been one of the most consistent servers on the tour in the last year.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Rinderknech had a consistent season in 2024 at big events which saw his ranking climb up 30 places. However the Frenchman will find this year tougher as the competition gets tougher especially as he will play a minimum amount of tennis on the Challenger tour. The question is will the Frenchman’s serve hold up to the high quality level of returning that is on the regular tour?
Norrie will look to create angles on the backhand side as he aims to be aggressive on serve, giving Rinderknech minimal opportunities to make an impact on return. Meanwhile the Frenchman will rely on his serve to neutralize Norrie’s returning efficiency. This should be a big test of Norrie’s returning and ability to perform under pressure but the Brit should have enough quality to overcome Rinderknech.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
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