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Cameron Norrie in the first round of Roland Garros 2023, Paris, France
Cameron Norrie in the first round of Roland Garros 2023, Paris, France | (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Tennis | Rome 2025 | Norrie gains lucky loser spot and searches for more confidence against O’Connell

Tony Fairbairn
Tennis

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Cameron Norrie [LL] v Christopher O’Connell
  • H2H: First Meeting
ROME, ITALY – Cameron Norrie has a lucky loser spot into the main draw of Rome and will face Christopher O’Connell in the first round.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Cameron Norrie [LL] v Christopher O’Connell H2H: First Meeting
Rome 2025 Rome, Italy
Clay (O) Prize Money: €20,820
Fourth on Supertennis Arena (14:30 BST) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Cameron Norrie gets a second chance after receiving a lucky loser spot as the Brit aims to build on winning three matches in Madrid when he takes on Christopher O’Connell in his Rome opener.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)

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H2H: Cameron Norrie (WR 91) Christopher O’Connell (WR 81)
Tournament Previous Best R4 (2023) R1 (2023, 2024)
1st Serve % 67.9 60
Service Games Won % 80 80.9
Break Points Saved % 64.6 63.2
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 51.2 47.6
Break Points Converted % 41.2 36.8

Norrie aims to continue his efficiency on break points against a consistent server like O’Connell.

 

 

Playing styles and prediction

After a decent start to the season, it’s been a frustrating last couple of tournaments for O’Connell who has struggled for consistency. The Australian will now hope to regain some confidence on serve as he targets a return to the world’s top 80 with his eyes set on a strong second half to the season.

Norrie will use the slower surface to his advantage as he looks to pick off O’Connell’s aggressive and consistent serve off. Meanwhile the Australian will use the backhand to pin Norrie behind the baseline, using variety to finish points off quickly. It should be a good test for Norrie but the Brit’s movement and variety in shot-making should prove pivotal in this close contest.

Prediction: Norrie in three sets.

 

 

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