Cameron Norrie in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA
Cameron Norrie in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA ¦ (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Indian Wells 2022 | Norrie begins title defence with victory over Martinez, Basilashvili rematch awaits

  • Cameron Norrie [12] def Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-3
  • Norrie v Nikoloz Basilashvili [18] | H2H: Norrie leads 2-0
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Cameron Norrie began his Indian Wells title defence with a straight sets win over Pedro Martinez and now faces Nikoloz Basilashvili in a rematch from last year’s final.

 

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Cameron Norrie [12] def Pedro Martinez 6-3 6-3

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Cameron Norrie began the defence of his title at Indian Wells with a straight sets victory over Pedro Martinez. Norrie was forced to save a few break points in the opening game as Martinez played some aggressive tennis early on. Even though the Brit held, Norrie was put under pressure again in the third game and couldn’t retaliate as Martinez’s hard work was rewarded with a break to love to lead 2-1.

However like all top players do, Norrie retaliated as he worked the angles forcing Martinez to take on high risk shots. In the end the strategy worked as he broke in the sixth game to level at 3-3. That only gave the defending champion confidence especially on serve as he outmuscled the Spaniard in all areas of the court. Five games in a row sealed the opening set in 49 minutes.

In the second set neither player could create chances as both players secured effective patterns of play to win the crucial points. Martinez had half-chances to secure the early break but a mixture of over-commitment and passive play on big points saw Norrie fend off the early pressure.

That was all Norrie needed to step through the gears as he was the more consistent player as two late breaks of serve in a row secured a successful start to his title defence and a place in the third round.

 

Cameron Norrie [12] v Nikoloz Basilashvili [18]   H2H & Match Fundamentals

Cameron Norrie [12] v Nikoloz Basilashvili [18]

H2H: Norrie leads 2-0

ATP Indian Wells

Indian Wells, USA    

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $54,400

Fifth on Stadium 3, not befpre 6:30pm (1:30am GMT Tuesday)

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Next for Norrie is a rematch of last year’s final against Nikoloz Basilashvili, who is yet to hit a ball at this tournament so far.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Hard)

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H2H:

Cameron Norrie (WR 12)

Nikoloz Basilashvili (WR 18)

Tournament Previous Best

Winner (2021)

Final (2021)

1st Serve %

66.6

68.4

Service Games Won %

85.6

73.6

Break Points Saved %

63

60

2nd Serve Return Points Won %

54.6

46.7

Break Points Converted %

41.7

39.2

Norrie has the advantage when it comes to winning crucial games on serve and return but Basilashvili’s first serve percentage sees him able to dictate points more effectively.

 

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Playing Styles and Prediction

Basilashvili has had a good start to the season which included reaching the final in Doha where he lost to Roberto Bautista Agut. The Georgian produces hard-hitting tennis from serve to return where he forces his opponents to be as aggressive as possible.

Norrie will look to have the perfect mix between defensive variety and attacking threat as he looks to keep up his recent form. Basilashvili can either give you the match or outhit any opponent on any day, there is no middle ground. Norrie did a good job of stepping his game in crucial moments in last year’s final and it’s expected that he will do the same here with a little less on the line.

Prediction: Norrie in three sets.

 

 

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