As we head towards the final Grand Slam of the year, the American hardcourt swing is underway. Mostly used as preparation for the US Open at Flushing Meadows, these events can be a barometer of form for players. Here we look at the British #1 Cameron Norrie and his form leading up to the US Open.
Cameron Norrie build-up disappointing
Brit Cameron Norrie will be disappointed in his build-up so far. Since the Cinch Championship at Queen’s Club, where he reached the quarterfinal, Norrie has not progressed deep in a tournament. At Wimbledon, the Brit made the second round before heading out to the U.S. swing.
First round exits
Since arriving for the hard court swing, the 27-year-old has not had good tournaments. The Brit was second seed in Mexico and lost in the second round (his first match, as he received a bye in the first round) to unseeded American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets.
Just last week in the Canadian Open in Toronto, Norrie was the 11th seed. He lost in the first round to unseeded Australian Alex de Minaur, although the Aussie made the final. The Brit was disappointed at going out so early in the competition.
Norrie, the 13th seed at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati this week, was up against a resurgent Gael Monfils, who impressed last week in Canada. The Frenchman destroyed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round and reached the quarter-final where Monfils lost to the eventual winner of the event. After winning the first set, Norrie dropped the next two to once again lose his opening match at an event.
Hard Court Woes
Norrie must find form and quickly if he is to go deep at the US Open. Although these build up events are best-of-three and the Grand Slam is best-of-five, you really need to get off to good starts. Against Monfils, the Brit did take the first set, but it wasn’t enough.
Things are not looking great for Brits in general currently on the U.S. Swing, with Dan Evans losing in the first round in Cincinnati and Andy Murray withdrawing. The Brits are struggling this season to get deep into events. Jack Draper could be the best chance the Brits have. At 21, Draper still has time to develop and garner his skill set. The young Brit has been out since the French Open, and is playing a Challenger event for his first come back match since injury.
Cameron Norrie will be disappointed with his form so far in the build-up to the US Open. It is unlikely that this season will see the Brit going far at the US Open, unless something suddenly clicks.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
