Cameron Norrie has had a tremendous last 12 months, winning four titles, including triumphing at Indian Wells last September. This has earned him the status of British #1, joining the likes of Andy Murray and Tim Henman. Despite his meteoric rise over the past year, Norrie was still yet to make it past the third round of a Grand Slam. This was something that he had made clear was the aim coming into Wimbledon, after falling at this hurdle on five previous occasions.
It was sixth time lucky on Friday evening, as Norrie cruised to a straight sets victory over American Steve Johnson, much to the delight of the home crowd on centre court. This win sent the 26-year-old to the last-16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. And with there being a few major withdrawals due to Covid-19 the draw has really opened up, bringing up the question as to how far can Norrie go.
Norrie’s Projected Draw
Fourth round: Tommy Paul (30)
Quarterfinal: Frances Tiafoe (23)
Semifinal: Novak Djokovic (1)
Final: Rafael Nadal (2)
The Brit faces a tough test in the fourth round against another American in Tommy Paul. The two are very familiar with each other, as they often train together and compete as doubles partners. In their four previous meetings, they have both won two a-piece. However, Norrie has won their two most recent meetings, including a semi-final match in Delray Beach earlier this year.
If he was to get the better of his good friend Paul, he could potentially set up a very winnable quarter-final with the very entertaining Frances Tiafoe. Norrie has only played Tiafoe once before, where he got the better in a tight contest. You would have to feel that reaching the semi-finals would be the limit for Norrie, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal likely on the horizon. The Brit has never beaten either of these two tennis legends, but with the passionate home crowd on his side nothing is out of the question.
