By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [7] def Holger Rune [28] 7-5 6-4 6-1
- Norrie v Andrey Rublev [9] | H2H: Tied at 1-1
NEW YORK, USA – Cameron Norrie cruised past Holger Rune to reach the second week at the US Open for the first time and next for Norrie is Andrey Rublev.
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Cameron Norrie [7] def Holger Rune [28] 7-5 6-4 6-1
Cameron Norrie is into the second week of the US Open for the first time in his career after the Brit cruised past Holger Rune in straight sets. The Brit had to overcome some early pressure from the Dane with Rune playing just as consistently as he did in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago. Just like he did throughout his previous two rounds, Norrie produced some big serves under pressure to save break points and survive the early pressure.
As the set went on, Norrie relaxed into his rhythm and played some aggressive baseline tennis, using all the angles to move Rune out of position. This tactical awareness paid dividends as in the fifth game, Rune overcommitted with his shots and a misguided volley handed the early game to the Brit at 3-2.
It was now Rune who was forced to survive the pressure created by Norrie on return as the 28th seed was forced to come up with some risky shot-making on big points. After saving two set points in the ninth game, the Dane used a lot of energy to try and get the break back. This was rewarded after Norrie made an uncharacteristic unforced error by missing a smash at the net.
Despite the set being at 5-5, Norrie remained consistent on return and went back on the attack as the Dane couldn’t keep up the high level of play for long. The seventh seed produced four points in a row to break for a 6-5 lead which was followed by a hold to love as he secured the opening set.
After a tricky opening set, Norrie went up a level in the second set as he produced a much more aggressive start attacking Rune’s baseline game. The Brit was rewarded for a more proactive approach as he took a double break lead against an error-prone Rune as he took a 4-1 lead.
A lapse in concentration from Norrie allowed Rune back into the match as the Dane took advantage of a drop in level from the Brit to reduce the deficit to 4-3. The most significant game of the match happened when Norrie was serving for a two set lead when Rune applied the pressure on the Brit with his quality returning and his complaining as he demonstrated his frustration with Norrie’s ball toss.
Rune couldn’t covert neither of his two break points and Norrie kept his composure to successfully serve out the second set for a two set lead. From there on it was all about the Brit as he grinded down the talented Dane, who was mentally and physically exhausted.
Three consecutive breaks of serve sealed Norrie’s place in the last 16 of the US Open for the first time.
Cameron Norrie [7] v Andrey Rublev [9] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [7] v Andrey Rublev [9] | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| US Open 2022 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $278,000 |
| First on Louis Armstrong Stadium, at 11am (4pm BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Norrie will now face Andrey Rublev for a place in the US Open quarter-finals after the Russian defeated Denis Shapovalov in a fifth set tiebreak.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 9) | Andrey Rublev (WR 11) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R3 (2020) | QF (2017, 2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 66.1 | 61.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.3 | 83.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.6 | 63.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 53.6 | 51.8 |
| Break Points Converted % | 43.8 | 39.2 |
Norrie enters this match with the more efficient return statistics but will need to be aware of Rublev’s improvement on serve.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Rublev has had a frustrating run of form recently but the Russian displayed resilience, determination and pure power in his win over Shapovalov. Rublev on his day can beat anyone and will look to put together a flurry of good wins to contend for his first Grand Slam title.
Norrie will need to start the match better than his last two matches as Rublev’s quality will punish the Brit if there are any lapses of concentration. Rublev will know he has to match Norrie’s physical and mental consistency if he wants to win this match which is what makes this match so intriguing. In the end Norrie’s physical sharpness should give him the edge in this match as he aims to reach the last eight at the US Open.
Prediction: Norrie in four sets.
As Norrie prepares for the last 16, Dan Evans is reflecting on what could have been as he exited the tournament at the hands of former champion Marin Cilic. The first two sets were tight with Evans unable to convert a flurry of set points with Cilic playing the bigger points better to take the tiebreak 13-11. In the second set Evans played a much better second set, seizing the opportunity and outsmarting the Croatian as he dominated the second set tiebreak 7-3.
However it wasn’t to be as Cilic stepped up a gear and completely dominated the baseline battles, overpowering the Brit. The Croatian punished Evans for not taking his chances in the fourth set as he moves into the last 16 while Evans now has the Davis Cup to think about.
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