Cameron Norrie in the first round of the 2022 Mutua Madrid Open, Spain
Cameron Norrie in the first round of the 2022 Mutua Madrid Open, Spain | (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Tennis | Madrid Open 2022 | Norrie edges past Kwon, faces tall order in Isner next

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Cameron Norrie [9] def Soonwoo Kwon [Q] 7-5 7-5
  • Norrie v John Isner | H2H: Tied at 2-2
MADRID, SPAIN – Cameron Norrie edged past Soonwoo Kwon in straight sets and now faces a tall task as he takes on John Isner in the second round in Madrid.

 

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Cameron Norrie [9] def Soonwoo Kwon [Q] 7-5 7-5

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Cameron Norrie is into the second round in Madrid despite a valiant effort from South Korean qualifier Soonwoo Kwon. It was the qualifier who started the brightest with some aggressive returns early on as he broke Norrie to love in the second game and eventually took a 3-0 lead.

Norrie remained consistent with his variety and shot selection throughout the opening set but couldn’t find the breakthrough. That was until the seventh game where Norrie eventually deconstructed Kwon’s defences and stepped up the intensity in attack as he would break to reduce the deficit to 4-3.

The Brit managed to save a few set points in the tenth game and that was the turning point as Norrie managed to find a new level. A break to love thanks to some aggressive forehands saw him take a 6-5 lead and the world number 11 served out the opening set.

In the second set both men had to work hard for the service holds in the opening exchanges as both players turned up the aggression towards the middle of the set. Kwon would break first in the seventh game before Norrie replied with a break to love of his own in the very next game.

Eventually it was Norrie who would win the crucial points on serve and return as he ground out a break for a 6-5 lead before serving out the match on his third match point to book his place in the second round.

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Cameron Norrie [9] v John IsnerΒ Β  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Cameron Norrie [9] v John Isner H2H: Tied at 2-2
Madrid Open Madrid, Spain
Clay (O) Prize Money: €48,655
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Norrie now faces a tall order in the second round as he takes on big-serving American John Isner.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)

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H2H: Cameron Norrie (WR 11) John Isner (WR 23)
Tournament Previous Best N/A QF (2015, 2018, 2021)
1st Serve % 67.1 70.5
Service Games Won % 79.9 94.3
Break Points Saved % 63.5 77.6
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 54.5 42.3
Break Points Converted % 42.3 17.9

No surprises to see Isner dominate the serving statistics however it’s the return stats that Norrie can try to take advantage of and his confidence on the break points will be crucial in this match.

 

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Playing Styles and Prediction

Isner will be keen to make a deep run over the next few weeks with the American reaching par for the course so far in 2022. The American’s kick serve and height is invaluable on this surface as shown in Houston where he reached the final and with a faster Madrid surface will be determined to do the same in Spain.

Norrie needs to extend the rallies as much as possible and limit Isner’s options with his return positioning. This will be a big test of the Brit’s confidence and point construction with the match not being in his control. This could be a bit of a lottery type of match but Norrie should feel lucky as he aims for a place in the last 16.

Prediction: Norrie in three sets.

 

 

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