By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [5] def Jordan Thompson [SE] 4-6 6-3 6-2
- Norrie v Sebastian Korda | H2H: Korda leads 2-1
LONDON, ENGLAND – Cameron Norrie is the last Brit standing at Queen’s Club after defeating Jordan Thompson in three sets to set up a quarter-final meeting with Sebastian Korda.
 |
Cameron Norrie [5] def Jordan Thompson [SE] 4-6 6-3 6-2
Cameron Norrie is into the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club after coming back from a set down to defeat Jordan Thompson. The Australian was in good form heading into this match having reached the final in s-Hertogenbosch and showed evidence of that in the early stages of the match with some powerful returning.
Thompson’s mix of slick net play and baseline aggression saw him dominate the rallies on Norrie’s serve with the Australian creating three break points in the fifth game. Although Norrie’s clutch serving got him out of trouble on that occasion, it didn’t get him out of trouble in the seventh game as some smart lobs followed by a backhand cross-court winner saw Thompson gain the break of serve for a 4-3 lead.
After a slow start on return from the fifth seed, Norrie eventually found his range in the tenth game as he applied the pressure on Thompson with some aggressive forehands and some proactive movement to the net. However the world number 76 saved two break points and held on to take the first set 6-4 as the Brit had work to do.
There was more Thompson pressure at the start of the second set as the unforced errors continued to increase with the Australian sensing an opportunity to control the match. However Norrie once again got himself out of trouble with some accurate serving and would be much more competitive on return in the second set.
It was that patience and resilience that would swing the match in Norrie’s favour as a clinical return game allowed Norrie to take a 4-2 lead. The British number one didn’t take his foot off the gas this time as he remained aggressive and dominant from the baseline. A powerful wide serve sealed the second set as Norrie had the momentum heading into the deciding set.
One opportunity was all Norrie needed as he started to extend the rallies in the third set, producing more unforced errors from Thompson. A backhand into the net from the Australian sealed the break for Norrie at the start of the third set as the Brit managed to maintain his high level of play. It was all one way traffic as Norrie’s variety allowed him to extract more unforced errors as he broke for a second time, leading 4-1 in the decider.
Norrie had work to do in the final game as Thompson threw everything at the Brit, creating three break points. However some intelligent play from Norrie at the net mixed with some big serving sealed the match for the fifth seed who is into the last eight at Queen’s Club for the second time in his career.
Cameron Norrie [5] v Sebastian Korda | H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [5] v Sebastian Korda | H2H: Korda leads 2-1 |
| Queen’s Club 2023 | London, England |
| Grass (O) | Prize Money: €60,145 |
| Third match on Centre Court, not before 15:00 BST | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
In the quarter-finals, Norrie will face Sebastian Korda who knocked out Stuttgart champion Frances Tiafoe in his second round match.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 13) | Sebastian Korda (WR 32) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Final (2021) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 64.9 | 61 |
| Service Games Won % | 79.4 | 82.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.5 | 66.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53.6 | 53.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.6 | 45.5 |
Norrie will look to raise his level on serve given Korda’s significantly superior efficiency when converting break points.
 |
Playing Styles and Prediction
Korda is starting to find his form again after injuries prevented him from capitalising on a strong start to the season in Australia. The American has a perfect game for grass with a strong serve as well as a strong net game which allows him to dominate matches from the start. Now Korda will look for a strong platform to build on ahead of Wimbledon where he will look for another deep Grand Slam run.
Norrie will need to raise his game on serve and look to use a variety of high and low bouncing groundstrokes to force Korda behind the baseline. Meanwhile Korda will look to serve well and finish points off quickly at the net while continuing his efficiency on return. This will be a good test for Norrie ahead of Wimbledon but the American’s confidence on serve may give him the slight edge in this competitive contest.
Prediction: Korda in three sets.
Holger Rune [2] def Ryan Peniston [WC] 6-3 6-4
As Norrie looks ahead to another quarter-final, there will be no second consecutive Queen’s Club quarter-final for Ryan Peniston after the Brit lost in straight sets to Holger Rune. Peniston produced a resilient performance having created three break points throughout the contest.
However Rune was just too clinical as the second seed broke on two separate occasions to move into the last eight. Now Peniston has the option to take a wildcard into Eastbourne before playing Wimbledon, where he reached the second round last year.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Queen’s Club 2023
| Live Stream | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
BBC Two (1-6pm) |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |