By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [10] def Manuel Guinard [WC] 7-5 6-2 6-0
- Norrie v Jason Kubler [Q] | H2H: First Meeting
PARIS, FRANCE – Cameron Norrie overcome a tough opening set to defeat wildcard Manuel Guinard in straight sets and now face Australian qualifier Jason Kubler in the second round.
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Cameron Norrie [10] def Manuel Guinard [WC] 7-5 6-2 6-0
Cameron Norrie began his Roland Garros campaign with a straight sets win over French wildcard Manuel Guinard despite a tough opening set. The Brit earned the perfect start as his returning variety was causing the Frenchman problems early on as he forced the unforced errors from Guinard and was rewarded with a break to love in the third game for a 2-1 lead.
However the Frenchman was persistent throughout the opening set as he remained aggressive yet stubborn in defence. Norrie had to hold in a 20 minute service game for a 3-1 lead as it was evident early on that Guinard’s approach was to extend the match for as long as possible. Despite not breaking in the sixth game, the Frenchman’s approach paid off as Norrie faltered in the eighth game and Guinard capitalised to break to love and level the set at 4-4.
In the end though it was the tenth seed who produced his best tennis when it mattered most and on his third break point opportunity sealed the crucial break to take a 6-5 lead. That was all Norrie needed as the Brit closed out a long 72 minute set to take the early set advantage.
Guinard once again persisted with playing the long game as both players shared breaks to start the second set. However Norrie stepped it up a gear being more aggressive and powering past the Frenchman’s weak defensive game. The Brit took a 4-1 lead and looked to end the set early when he had two set points at 5-2.
However Norrie couldn’t take them and after saving five break points, the Brit closed out the second set to take control of the match. From there it was all about the Brit as Guinard ran out of steam and was fatigued from the long rallies. Norrie powered to win all six games in the third set and move into the second round at Roland Garros.
Cameron Norrie [10] v Jason Kubler [Q] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [10] v Jason Kubler [Q] | H2H: First Meeting |
| Roland Garros | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €84,000 |
| Second on Court 6, not before 12:30pm (11:30am BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Norrie will now face Australian qualifier Jason Kubler in the second round after the world number 160 defeated Denis Kudla in the last round.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022 – Clay)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 11) | Jason Kubler (WR 160) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2021) | QR2 (2019) |
| 1st Serve % | 68.2 | 67.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 79.5 | 79.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60.4 | 63.6 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.7 | 42.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.4 | 71.4 |
Kubler is extremely effective on break points however the Brit has the advantage in every other area heading into this clash.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Kubler has won two ITF events on clay in Australia and secured a few wins at challenger level with injuries being the main reason why his ranking is so low. The Australian has good athleticism and movement on clay and has a big serve which makes it tough to break down.
Norrie’s returning skills will be put to the test here especially in the opening stages of the match. However this is a step up in level and intensity for Kubler and the Brit should have too much consistency and variety for the Australian here. Norrie’s confidence levels are high at the moment so there should be no reason for an unexpected blip here.
Prediction: Norrie in straight sets.
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