By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [26] def Benjamin Bonzi 6-0 6-7(2) 4-6 6-3 6-4
- Norrie v Emilio Nava | H2H: First Meeting
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Cameron Norrie outlasted Benjamin Bonzi in five sets to reach the Australian Open second round where he will now face Emilio Nava.
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Cameron Norrie [26] def Benjamin Bonzi 6-0 6-7(2) 4-6 6-3 6-4
Cameron Norrie edged his way into the second round of the Australian Open after coming back from two sets to one down to defeat Benjamin Bonzi. After bowing out in the first round last year, Norrie was aiming to avoid that fate this year and made a perfect start to that quest. The British number two was a defensive wall as Bonzi made a whole host of unforced errors in the opening set.
There was some proactive play and some sharp movement as Bonzi looked desperate to finish the points off as soon as possible. Some confident serving helped too as Norrie sealed a 24 minute opening set with ease as it looked like that this match would be smooth for the 26th seed. However, when has that ever been the case in a big match for a high seeded Brit?
The usual rollercoaster was about to unfold as Bonzi picked up his level of play while Norrie’s form dipped a little bit. There was more aggression to Bonzi’s serving while also maintaining some patience from the baseline. In the opening five games, Norrie got nowhere near the Bonzi serve but the British number two also held his own serve well to stay within touching distance of the Frenchman.
However, as the set went on Norrie’s level on return increased and the Brit had some break point opportunities in order to prevent a tiebreak. Unlike the opening set, Norrie was rather wasteful on break points and that gave Bonzi confidence as the second set would be decided by a tiebreak. It was a dominant tiebreak from Bonzi who thoroughly deserved the second set and a volley winner ensured that this match was level at one set all.
Momentum was on Bonzi’s side and the Frenchman capitalised on his improved form to take advantage of a huge lapse of concentration from Norrie at the start of the third set. A break in the third game dealt a huge blow as Norrie was now behind in the match for the first time. Once again, Norrie was wasteful on return opportunities and would pay the ultimate price as he went down a double break at 4-1.
There was a lifeline for Norrie as he put scoreboard pressure back on the Frenchman with an immediate break back. The Brit was always chasing the set though and he couldn’t quite get the second break back. A comfortable hold from Bonzi ensured that the Frenchman took a two set to one lead and Norrie would have to win this match in five sets.
There was severe pressure coming from Bonzi at the beginning of the fourth set but Norrie held his own, saving two break points in the opening game. This would give Norrie more confidence and with the crowd on his side, the Brit broke serve for a 3-1 lead in what would be the foundations for a turnaround in this match.
That would be further strengthened by Norrie saving two break points to consolidate the break as he took a 4-1 lead into the change of ends. The key to the turnaround would be Norrie’s success with the dropshot and it was that tactic that sealed the fourth set for the Brit as he fended off Bonzi’s pressure to force a deciding fifth set.
At the start of the fifth set both players were confident and aggressive on serve with there being nothing to separate the two players. Eventually though it would be Bonzi who blinked first as Norrie’s persistent pressure on return paid off with the Brit breaking for a 3-2 lead. There was chances for Norrie to have a double break lead and ease the anxiety of everyone watching but that wasn’t the British way of doing things and this would go all the way to the tightest of margins.
In the end, Norrie comfortably served out the match to seal a massive win and book his place in the second round of the Australian Open.
Cameron Norrie [26] v Emilio Nava H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [26] v Emilio Nava | H2H: First Meeting |
| Australian Open 2026 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $225,000 |
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Norrie will take on American Emilio Nava for a place in the third round in Melbourne.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 28) | Emilio Nava (WR 89) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2024) | QR3 (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 65.8 | 62.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.9 | 84 |
| Break Points Saved % | 65.7 | 67.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.9 | 43.8 |
| Break Points Converted % | 37.1 | 34.5 |
Norrie will aim to cut out the errors on return as he is facing a consistent server like Nava who likes to serve big on the big points.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Nava spent the majority of last season on the Challenger tour where he won four titles and managed to lift his ranking back up nearer the world’s top 100. After reaching the third round at the Masters 1000 event in Canada, Nava is now back in the world’s top 100 and is looking to continue his surge up the rankings. Staying in the top 100 will be a challenge for Nava but his solid all-round game is a foundation to build on in 2026.
Norrie will aim to serve aggressively and will need to cut out the lapses of concentration if he wants to win this match. Meanwhile, Nava will look to take more risks on the forehand and put Norrie’s defensive game under pressure. This should be a good test for Norrie but as long as the Brit can rise to the occasion in the big points then he should win this match and reach the third round.
Prediction: Norrie in four sets.
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