By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [29] def Joao Fonseca [WC] 6-1 6-4
- Norrie v Casper Ruud [5] | H2H: Ruud leads 3-1
MADRID, SPAIN – Cameron Norrie stormed past Brazilian wildcard Joao Fonseca to reach the third round in Madrid where he will face Barcelona champion Casper Ruud.
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Cameron Norrie [29] def Joao Fonseca [WC] 6-1 6-4
Cameron Norrie is into the third round in Madrid after a dominant display over talented Brazilian wildcard Joao Fonseca. It was a wonderful start to the match from Norrie who overcame Fonseca’s powerful hitting by producing a variety of height and depth to force errors from the Brazilian.
Although Fonseca managed to match Norrie’s quick start to the match, the Brit continued to neutralize the Brazilian’s pace as the set wore on with Fonseca producing some tight shots. It was telling that Fonseca was playing his first Masters 1000 event this week with eight unforced errors being produced in comparison to Norrie’s zero. The Brit broke in the fourth and sixth games as he wrapped up a 20 minute opening set.
There was a more aggressive start to the second set from Fonseca as he worked the angles aiming to force errors from Norrie’s game. Furthermore the Brazilian produced some clutch serving as he survived a tough service game to hold for a 2-1 lead. Despite Fonseca’s serving dominance, Norrie remained resilient and clear in his approach as he continued to serve effortlessly setting up effective winners on the backhand.
As the set went on, Norrie’s experience was evident as he pushed for the vital break against a slightly tentative Fonseca. The Brazilian showed good fortitude to save two break points in the ninth game but couldn’t prevent the break as Norrie broke for a 5-4 lead in his third break point.
However serving out the match was easier said than done as Fonseca started aggressively and piled on the pressure on Norrie. The Brazilian went 15-40 up and would have four break points in the game. However the 29th seed remained calm under pressure to save the break points as he converted his third match point to seal victory in his opening match in Madrid.
Cameron Norrie [29] v Casper Ruud [6] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [29] v Casper Ruud [6] | H2H: Ruud leads 3-1 |
| ATP Madrid 2024 | Madrid, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €51,665 |
| Fourth on Stadium Three (15:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
A tough task awaits Norrie in the third round as he takes on Barcelona champion Casper Ruud, who has been the best player of the clay court season so far.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 30) | Casper Ruud (WR 6) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2022) | Semi-Final (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 60.7 | 65.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.4 | 87.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.5 | 68.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.4 | 48.9 |
| Break Points Converted % | 38.4 | 39.1 |
Norrie will need to be efficient on return when the opportunity arises as Ruud has been very effective on serve this season.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Ruud has had a great start to the season which has only been strengthened by an incredible clay court season. The Norwegian reached the final in Monte-Carlo where he defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time which was then followed by winning the Barcelona title. Now Ruud aims to continue his impressive clay court season as he looks to challenge for the Roland Garros title.
Norrie will need to be aggressive as he aims to rush Ruud’s defensive shots with the Brit looking to be efficient on return. Meanwhile Ruud will aim to continue his impressive serving as he looks to use depth to open up space on the court. A good start is needed for Norrie in what is expected to be more favourable conditions. However Ruud’s current form suggests the Norwegian should have too much quality for the Brit.
Prediction: Ruud in three sets.
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