By Tony Fairbairn at Wimbledon
- Alexander Zverev [4] def Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-4 7-6(15)
- Cameron Norrie is taking positives from his Wimbledon run as he praised Alexander Zverev’s level
LONDON, ENGLAND – Cameron Norrie is taking the positives from his run to the third round of Wimbledon after he lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev.
 |
Cameron Norrie was unable to replicate his performance from his win over Jack Draper as he was comfortably beaten by Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The British number two was solid on serve but produced very little threat in the first two sets with Zverev breaking at crucial times.
Not everything went the German’s way as Zverev slipped at the net during the contest which raised concerns as to whether he would be able to finish the match.
In the thirds set the German was clearly not as aggressive and was hampered in his movement but Norrie was unable to take advantage with the third set going to a tiebreak.
What a tiebreak it was as both players had multiple set and match points respectively but Norrie didn’t take the third set as he was too passive on set points.
This gave Zverev the opportunity to convert his sixth match point with aggressive play and close out the win.
After the match Norrie praised Zverev’s level and admitted he tried everything to throw the German off his game but it wasn’t enough.
“It was a really high, high level from both of us. He gave me absolutely nothing,” Norrie said in praise of Zverev.
“Honestly, I thought I played really well, but I couldn’t really get into his service games. Yeah, maybe I could have returned a bit deeper. To be honest, it was really impressive. He’s looking really good. It was a tough match. Would have loved to have seen how the match would have gone if I’d won that tiebreak obviously.
“But happy with the level. I loved it out there. Enjoyed it. So fun to get to play on Centre Court again against a top player, test myself. Honestly, credit to him. He’s playing unreal. It was not easy. I battled through a tough hold. Switch ends. I’m back serving again within the next minute. I had to stay positive, really not try to let that bring my energy down. When he’s serving like that, nothing you can do.
“Honestly, not just the serving. I think the way he dealt with his first ball, especially on his forehand side, he was getting such good width, hitting forehand line and forehand angle, very, very well. Very impressive from Sascha in that department. Yeah, I tried my best not to let it frustrate me. I think I did a really good job with that.“Managed to hold my serve as much as I did, get to a tiebreak, and played probably my best level in the tiebreak. Still didn’t get the job done. Credit to him. For me, he’s looking like one of the big favourites, for sure.”
 |
Norrie taking positives from grass court season ahead of Olympics
Despite the defeat it’s been a good tournament for Norrie who had entered Wimbledon with limited expectations after an inconsistent grass court season.
There have been some good performances that ultimately didn’t translate into results for Norrie as his win over Draper was the highlight of the last few weeks.
Reflecting on the last few weeks, Norrie is drawing on the positives but has admitted there is lots to improve on.
“Yeah, definitely I’ll take it. The grass season ending like this,” Norrie stated.
“I felt like I played my best tennis towards the end. The match with Jack was a high, high level. High, high level today. Yeah, it’s exactly what I needed, to get a couple matches before Wimbledon. I really like the courts here.
“I’m really pumped for the rest of the season. I’m working so hard. I’m practicing really, really well. Improving all my skills. Hopefully I can put it all together. Yeah, I think there’s so much to look forward to the rest of the year, the Olympics, yeah, the States, the US Open. I’m excited. Still lots of tennis to be played. For me, lots to improve on.
“I really feel good kind of, obviously not the result I wanted today, but the level I played, the level of concentration, the way I was hitting the ball, moving. I’m in really good shape. Body feels good. Was a really positive Wimbledon for me. I obviously would have liked to have gone further. Yeah, take a lot of positives for it.”
Next up for Norrie is the prospect of playing a first Olympics as he heads back to clay and Roland Garros.
Ahead of the Olympics Norrie spoke about the challenges of changing surface and revealed he will play the ATP 250 event in Bastad to prepare for the Olympics.
“I think I was telling you guys I was playing so well on the clay, but not getting so many results there. I was moving really well. I think it’s going to be quite difficult for the first time ever going from grass to clay,” Norrie revealed.
“I go to Bastad in Sweden to play before then. So I have a couple matches hopefully there, and then get ready for my first Olympics. To be honest, I think the most important thing is to get used to the movement and embrace the Olympics. I’m really excited for it. Again, nothing to lose. I can keep building from this Wimbledon. Honestly, I’m happy to get back to the clay.”
The tournament in Bastad starts on the 15th of July while the Olympics starts on the 27th of July.
How to Watch/Follow Wimbledon 2024
| TV | Across BBC Channels & Red Button |
| Live Stream | BBC Sport |
| Live Scores | Tennis Scores Powered By TNNSLIVE |
 Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |