- Cameron Norrie [21] def Grigor Dimitrov [23] 6-2 6-4
- Norrie v Nikoloz Basilashvili [29] | H2H: Norrie leads 1-0
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Cameron Norrie eased past Grigor Dimitrov to reach his first masters 1000 final where he will face Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.
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Cameron Norrie [21] def Grigor Dimitrov [23] 6-2 6-4
Cameron Norrie is into his first Masters 1000 final after a straight sets win over the in-form Grigor Dimitrov. The Brit dominated from the start using the pace from Dimitrov’s shots to change the direction of the rally and hit flawless winners. Norrie used consistent depth against a flat-footed Bulgarian who seemed unable to be aggressive with shot-making. More unforced errors came from Dimitrov’s racket as the Brit won the opening four games.
There was sign of life from Dimitrov as he hit some clean returns and used the whole court to his advantage as he claimed one of the breaks back. That didn’t faze Norrie though as he continued to put Dimitrov under pressure and another loose forehand from the 23rd seed ensured that the double break advantage was restored. Another terrific serve out wide gave Norrie a hold to love and the first set in 31 minutes.
At the start of the second set Dimitrov was once again put under immense pressure and was forced to save three break points with some aggressive cross-court forehand winners. But he couldn’t save the fourth break point as another backhand went into the net and Norrie had the break in the opening game.
Despite Dimitrov’s chances and ability to be aggressive on return, the Bulgarian couldn’t convert his half-chances in the second set. A return backhand into the net from Dimitrov ensured that Norrie would head into the biggest final in his career on Sunday and become a top 20 player in the process.
Cameron Norrie [21] v Nikoloz Basilashvili [29] H2H & Match Fundamentals
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Cameron Norrie [21] v Nikoloz Basilashvili [29] |
H2H: Norrie leads 1-0 |
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ATP Indian Wells |
Indian Wells, USA |
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Hard (O) |
Prize Money: $640,000/$1,209,730 |
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Second on Stadium 1 (Midnight BST) |
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Norrie will now face 29th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, who has already beaten Karen Khachanov, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz to make the showpiece event at Indian Wells.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021 – Hard)
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H2H: |
Cameron Norrie (WR 26) |
Nikoloz Basilashvili (WR 36) |
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Tournament Previous Best |
R1 (2018, 2019) |
R2 (2019) |
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1st Serve % |
65.5 |
56.1 |
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Service Games Won % |
79.1 |
77 |
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Break Points Saved % |
58.4 |
58.5 |
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2nd Serve Return Points Won % |
53 |
52.4 |
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Break Points Converted % |
44.6 |
44.7 |
The statistics are equal heading into the final with Basilashvili improving his break point conversion and his ability to win big points. Norrie will look to continue to dominate proceedings on his first serve.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Basilashvili has slowly been getting his games together winning back-to-back matches at most of the tournaments played in recent weeks. Now the Georgian is using his big game to blast past his opponents and find more consistency with the 29 year-old a win away from the biggest title of his career.
Norrie’s consistency from all areas of the court has outmanoeuvred the most powerful of opposition and the Brit will need to produce the same if he wants to win the biggest title of his career. Basilashvili is someone who likes to take the racket out of his opponents hands so Norrie will need to get the first strike in if possible. The Brit has only won one of his five finals this season but this is the time to change that.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
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