By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [9] def John Isner 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4
- Norrie v Carlos Alcaraz [7] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0
MADRID, SPAIN – Cameron Norrie earns a big three set win over John Isner to reach the third round in Madrid where he will face in-form seventh seed Carlos Alcaraz.
[table “ADPDAll” not found /]
Cameron Norrie [9] def John Isner 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4
Cameron Norrie earned a big three set win over John Isner to reach the last 16 in Madrid. Despite the victory, Norrie got off to the worst possible start as he served inconsistently and was punished as Isner broke in the opening game of the match. There was a quick response from Norrie who had more time to return the American’s serve that he would normally have and he created some good angles to break back at 2-2.
Norrie had another opportunity in the sixth game but Isner fended off the Brit’s pressure with some powerful serves as he levelled things up at 3-3. It was Norrie who served the better in the opening set with Isner yet to find his range and the Brit’s confidence on serve as well as his returning persistence paid off as he broke the American to claim the opening set 6-4.
In the second set both players continued to look comfortable on serve with Isner saving the only break point of the set in the fourth game. Isner served 29 aces in the match and continued to frustrate the Brit in the second set as the winner of the set would be determined in a tiebreak. The serving masterclass continued in the tiebreak until the final point where Isner took advantage of conservative play from Norrie as he took the tiebreak 7-5 and levelled the match at one set all.
However Norrie didn’t let the second set affect his concentration levels as Norrie dealt the first blow in the fifth game as he converted his only break point of the set for a 3-2 lead. Isner pushed for the break back but Norrie’s resilience denied him and the Brit closed out the match to seal his place in the third round.
Cameron Norrie [9] v Carlos Alcaraz [7] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [9] v Carlos Alcaraz [7] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0 |
| Madrid Open | Madrid, Spain |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €€90,745 |
| First night session match on Manolo Santana Stadium, not before 8pm (7pm BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Next up for Norrie is Barcelona champion Carlos Alcaraz, who will be celebrating his 19th birthday on Thursday.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Clay)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 11) | Carlos Alcaraz (WR 9) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R2 (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 73.2 | 64.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 79.8 | 79.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.3 | 56.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.7 | 56.3 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.7 | 50.5 |
Alcaraz’s form on the surface is shown in the stats especially through his extremely effective break point conversion rate.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Alcaraz keeps on rising on the clay having beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas twice on this surface and winning the biggest title of his career in Barcelona. The Spaniard, who will celebrate his 19th birthday against Norrie, has no real weaknesses in his game and will be a dark horse for Paris regardless what happens over the next two weeks.
Norrie will look to use his variety as much as possible with the slice as well as his different paces in rallies. However the high-bouncing ball should favour the Spaniard and although Norrie will make the match uncomfortable, Alcaraz should come through this match especially in front of a home crowd.
Prediction: Alcaraz in three sets.
 |
|---|
How to Watch/Follow ATP Madrid
| Live Stream | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Live Scores | Tennis Live Scores on Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |