British player Cameron Norrie heads into his third round showdown against Rafael Nadal high in confidence despite being the underdog.
The world No.45 is through to the last 32 of the tournament for the first time in his career after defeating Lloyd Harris in four sets. Norrie is currently experiencing his best ever season on the Tour in terms of match wins and has featured in the final of two events. Both of which were on the clay in Estoril and Lyon.
Although the 25-year-old now faces what is described as one of the biggest challenges in tennis when he plays Nadal in Paris. A player who has won the tournament a historic 13 times and had only ever been defeated twice before.
“I feel great physically, which is a bonus for me,” Norrie said following his second round win. “I’ll back my legs against anyone, even against Rafa. But I’m going to have to execute, and it’s not going to be easy. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough one.”
Norrie already knows what it is like to take on the world No.3 after already playing him twice on the Tour this year. At the Australian Open he fell 2-6, 5-7, 5-7, to the Spaniard. More recently, in Barcelona he was dismissed 1-6, 4-6. When comparing those two matches the Brit said his serve was key to keeping up with Nadal. Admitting that he didn’t serve as well in Barcelona compared to Australia.
“I think with my backhand I can do a lot of damage. I’m not going to give too much away,” he said about his match tactics. “So just focus on what I’ve been doing well and go and try and execute and leave it all out on the court. I think just use my legs to my advantage.”
Fortunately for Norrie he can go into the upcoming match knowing that he is the one without any pressure. Although the chances of pulling off a shock win will be very difficult to do. Especially if Nadal displays the same level of tennis as he did during the first set of his match against Richard Gasquet which he won 6-0.
“I think he’s at one of his best parts of his career, as well. He’s won a lot on the clay, so he’s looking dangerous,” Norrie said of his upcoming rival.
Norrie has played 14 top 10 players on the Tour so far in his career but has only been victorious twice. Coincidentally, both of those triumphs occurred at the Lyon Open. In 2018 he defeated John Isner before getting the better of Dominic Thiem this year.
Nadal himself is aware of the potential threat his upcoming rival poses. Following his win over Gasquet, the 20-time Grand Slam champion insists that he will be taking nothing for granted.
“He’s a great player. He’s winning plenty of matches this year. Every week he’s making good results, winning against very good players,” he said. “I know it’s gonna be a tough one. I need to be ready to play my best. I know he has a style of game that is not easy to play against. I need to play well.”
Norrie has won just three matches at the French Open compared to Nadal who has won 102.
