By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [LL] def Christopher O’Connell 6-3 6-2
- Norrie v Daniil Medvedev [10] | H2H: Medvedev leads 3-0
ROME, ITALY – Cameron Norrie made the most of his lucky loser spot, defeating Christopher O’Connell to set up a second round clash with Daniil Medvedev.
 |
|---|
Cameron Norrie [LL] def Christopher O’Connell 6-3 6-2
Cameron Norrie made the most of his lucky loser entrance into the Rome main draw as he defeated Christopher O’Connell to reach the second round. After reaching the third round in Madrid last week Norrie aimed to get off to a fast start in this match and that’s exactly what he did by creating two break points in his opening two return games.
Despite failing to break in the second game, Norrie was aggressive and proactive to earn a comfortable break for a 3-1 lead. The Brit was facing an out of sorts opponent in the form of O’Connell, but the Australian made sure that he wasn’t underestimated too much as he created break point in the fifth game. However, Norrie saved the break point and wouldn’t drop a point on serve after that taking the opening set in 37 minutes.
In the second set Norrie continued his clinical tennis on return by breaking in the opening game. Just like the opening set as soon as Norrie broke serve, the Brit came under severe pressure on serve. However, Norrie fended off the two break points from O’Connell to consolidate the break with a frustrated Australian unable to dictate the rallies on his terms in important moments.
There was some good tennis from O’Connell in stages but the Australian struggled to maintain any sort of consistency. That resulted in Norrie being able to have a lot of success on return and another sloppy game from O’Connell allowed the Brit to break for the third time in the match in the seventh game.
This allowed Norrie to serve for the match and a love hold saw the world number 91 book his place into the second round.
Cameron Norrie [LL] v Daniil Medvedev [10] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [LL] v Daniil Medvedev [10] | H2H: Medvedev leads 3-0 |
| Rome 2025 | Rome, Italy |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €30,895 |
| Third on Pietrangeli (13:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Norrie will now face tenth seed Daniil Medevedev for a place in the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the second consecutive time.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 91) | Daniil Medvedev (WR 11) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2023) | Champion (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 67.8 | 60.4 |
| Service Games Won % | 80.3 | 78.9 |
| Break Points Saved % | 64.5 | 59.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.3 | 52.7 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.5 | 42.3 |
Norrie will need to play aggressive tennis on serve when he takes on Medvedev’s clinical returning.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
It’s been a decent start to the clay court season for Medvedev, who reached the quarter-finals in Madrid last week before losing to eventual champion Casper Ruud. The world number 11 will be hoping to capitalize on memories from his 2023 title in Rome as he searches for more confidence on his worst surface.
Norrie will aim to be aggressive on the backhand as he will need to be smart with his shot selection. Meanwhile Medvedev will frustrate Norrie by extending the rallies and using the forehand to suffocate the Brit’s game. Although Norrie’s recent confidence will give him hope, Medvedev’s game style is just a bad match-up for the Brit with the former champion expected to prevail here.
Prediction: Medvedev in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow Rome 2025
| Live Stream | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| 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 | |