By Tony Fairbairn
- Matteo Berrettini def Cameron Norrie 6-7(4) 6-4 6-1 6-3
- Cameron Norrie has spoken about his ‘unfortunate’ preparation to the Australian Open as a rankings drop is expected after his first round exit.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Cameron Norrie’s start to the season was derailed by an unfortunate illness and Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open.
 |
|---|
Cameron Norrie is out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle after a four set defeat to former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
The Brit headed into this match with a quarter-final in Hong Kong as well as an opening round exit in Auckland and was aiming to add some consistency into his performance in Melbourne.
Despite the tough opening round clash Norrie made an aggressive start to the match as he created two break points in the third game.
Although Norrie was unable to take those chances the Brit remained resilient and consistent on serve as he fended off the threat from Berrettini on return.
As the set went on, Norrie’s service games lasted longer and longer with the world number 52 being forced to save a set point in the twelfth game.
The set point was saved and the opening set would be decided in a tiebreak in which Norrie secured six points in a row as he recovered from 4-1 down to take the tiebreak 7-4.
However winning the opening set was the only success of the match for Norrie as the remaining three sets were as one sided as they come.
Norrie created no break points in the second set as a break in the fifth game was the difference in order for Berrettini to take the set 6-4.
The Brit would create only three more break points for the rest of the contest and would take none of them as Berrettini only lost four games in the remaining two sets to seal victory and a place in the second round.
It’s a brutal loss for Norrie in more ways than one as the Brit’s ranking is certain to drop after the Australian Open which is a consequence of Norrie failing to defend his fourth round points from last year.
Speaking after the match Norrie said that he is ready to embrace the challenge of recovering his ranking as he prepares for a crucial rest of the season.
“I think it’s a good challenge,” Norrie told The Independent.
“I don’t see any reason why not. I’m very focused on getting back there. I think I’ve just got to stay patient. I believe I can do it. For sure I just need to get the health back to 100 per cent and go again.”
 |
|---|
Norrie progress halted by ‘unfortunate’ illness
Another poor showing by Norrie at a Grand Slam as his ranking continues to dive in the wrong direction.
However this time around there was some context to it as the British number two has been dealing with an illness that has halted his preparations.
The former Wimbledon semi-finalist spoke about not being able to prepare for the tournament and how ‘unfortunate’ the timing of the illness is.
“I haven’t been able to prepare as well as I could,” Norrie explained to The Guardian.
“I’ve been pretty sick in Auckland, then coming here, just barely practised. Honestly, I’ve been feeling the ball so well. Pre-season was excellent. It was a bit unfortunate with the timing.
“I definitely gave myself the best chance. Just hit the wall after like an hour and a bit. I was not able to stay sharp on the court. A bit disappointing. It is what it is. Most importantly just get my health back to 100%, get some rest. Just tough to sustain that today.”
Norrie is expected to be in Great Britain’s squad to take on Japan in the Davis Cup qualifiers which take place from the 31st of January-1st February.
Meanwhile Norrie’s next individual tournament takes place at the ATP 500 event in Dallas which starts on the 3rd of February.
How to Watch/Follow Australian Open 2025
| Live Stream | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime
Sign up for 30 day free trial of Prime Video and a 7-day free trial of Discovery+ Player |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |