It’s been some time since Cameron Norrie faced off against another Brit and was an underdog.
That’s exactly what the case will be for the world No 42 on Thursday, when he squares off against new British No 1 Jack Draper at Wimbledon.
Draper took the title off Norrie just last month, courtesy of a hot run on the lead-in events to London. Now, the pair will clash for just the third time, and Norrie has a bone to pick with his compatriot.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” shared Norrie after defeating Facundo Diaz Acosta in the first round, 7-5, 7-5, 6-3. “I’m going to have to play my best level to have a chance with Jack.”
“I actually can’t wait for the match,” Norrie continued. “It’s been a while since I played another Brit. No better player to play than the No 1 Brit right now.”
Can Draper fill the void left by Murray?
When Andy Murray stormed to the Wimbledon title in 2013, he became the first British man to win the prestigious tournament in 77 years.
Now, with Murray all but retired, British eyes are searching for the tennis legend’s replacement.
Increasingly, it’s seeming as though that will be young Jack Draper.
The 22-year-old has long been touted as a future star, but has been hampered by injuries over his short career. However, this year so far he’s been healthy, and it’s starting to show.
Last month, the Brit lifted his maiden ATP title. He then followed it up by defeating one of the biggest names in the game, Carlos Alcaraz, in front of a home crowd at Queen’s.
Now, he’s got his Wimbledon campaign underway in 2024 with a steely five-set victory over Elias Ymer, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, playing on Centre Court for the first time.
“I think he’s playing his best level that he’s been playing,” said Norrie of his countryman. “It’s shown in his results. He won an unreal tournament in Stuttgart.
“Physically he’s the best I’ve ever seen him. He won a really tough match today. He’s at the top of his game, playing with so much confidence, moving so well, serving rockets.”
Norrie an underdog, but loving it
Norrie is a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, and has been a placeholder as the best British player since Murray’s decline began five years ago.
However, he acknowledges that Draper is the favorite in their clash on Thursday.
“I mean, I think it’s pretty obvious that he’s the favorite there,” declared Norrie. “He’s ranked ahead of me. His results have been better than mine, especially over the grass court season. He beat Alcaraz in Queen’s.
“For me, it’s a surprise kind of being the underdog for the first time in a while.
“I’m looking forward to the match. Hopefully, yeah, we can play on Court 1 or Centre Court. I think it will be nice for the spectators to have this match to enjoy.”
Chances are, Norrie vs Draper will receive a Centre Court allocation–potentially alongside the Murray brothers playing their doubles match. Now wouldn’t that be a feast for British tennis?
Read more here about Jack Drapers racquet specs.
