Add as preferred source on Google Cameron Norrie produced one of the biggest upsets on the ATP Tour this year by beating Alex de Minaur on Monday.
Norrie, the world number 27, beat De Minaur 6-4, 6-4 in Indian Wells and now has a big opportunity to reach the quarter-finals.
The British number two, who won the Californian title in 2021, will play world number 117 Rinky Hijikata in round four. Hijikata, from Australia, caused another upset by beating Alexander Bublik in round three.
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Norrie was particularly clutch down the stretch against De Minaur. After surrendering one opportunity to serve for the match, the pressure was on the British star’s shoulders heading into the final game at 5-4.
However, Norrie maintained his composure to see out the contest, and British player Liam Broady was left surprised by the way in which Norrie did so.
Liam Broady was surprised by Cameron Norrie’s volleying against Alex de Minaur
Norrie, who is renowned for being more of a counter-puncher, produced some excellent attacking tennis to overcome De Minaur on Monday.
The 30-year-old was in scintillating form when approaching the net, winning 17 of his 19 net points.
This particular element of his performance was identified by Jonathan Overend and Liam Broady, who were both quick to shower Norrie with praise after the match.
Overend began the discussion by praising Norrie’s composure when closing out the match. The British star, who could take the British number one spot from Jack Draper this week, produced two superb volleys in his final service game to close out the match.
“We were on the edge of our seats, weren’t we, Liam?” Overend said during Sky Sports’ live coverage. “What a terrific all-round performance but particularly the finish under pressure.
“He’s just dropped his serve the first time he served for the match to keep it together and then play two of his best points right the end.”
Liam Broady, the former world 93, continued to sing Norrie’s praises, again focusing on Norrie’s net play.
“So good, yeah” he said. “And I think we pointed out a second ago as well: for Cam to have gone 17 out of 19 points, that the net is an incredible stat for anyone on tour, let alone Cam Norrie, who’s renowned really for being an aggressive counter-puncher.
Cameron Norrie’s Indian Wells path…
- Fourth Round: Rinky Hijikata
- Quarter-finals: Carlos Alcaraz / Casper Ruud
- Semi-finals: Novak Djokovic / Jack Draper / Daniil Medvedev / Alex Michelsen
- Final: Jannik Sinner / Alexander Zverev
“And when it came down to it, right at the death of the match, he’s closed out with two fantastic backhand volleys that were reminiscent of Roger Federer in his prime almost.”
Overend continued: “And the approach shots as well were really accurate. It was almost like the way De Minaur would play that point. He was on the other side of the net.
“I mean, that was a dismantling of one of the best players in the world. And Cam Norrie is certainly a player who now has a number of big-name scalps on his CV.
“Considering where he was last year, Liam, in the clay court season, down just outside 90 in the world, to get back to this level, what an effort.”
Broady concluded the discussion by expressing his surprise regarding Norrie’s level of play at the net.
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He said: “Yeah, it’s incredible. And he’s made Alex de Minaur look, you know, distinctly average today. Of course, de Minaur came out with some fantastic tennis, but Cam really looks like he’s trying his hardest to be more aggressive out there. There’s times perhaps in the past where he’s waited for opponents to miss.
“He’s looking to get up there at every opportunity and volleying surprisingly well. I didn’t know Cam volleyed as well as he does and I’m sure he’ll be pleased with that performance today, dominating with the forehand, backhand through the court and getting up to the net.”
How can Cameron Norrie become British number one?
Before the tournament began, Cameron Norrie was sat above Jack Draper in the ATP live rankings – as Draper had yet to defend any of his 1000 Indian Wells points.
If Norrie is to finish the tournament ranked higher than Draper, he must go one round further than his compatriot.
There is every chance that Norrie could do so. While Norrie faces a player ranked outside of the top 100 in the fourth round, Draper faces five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic.
Of course, if both Draper and Norrie advance to the quarter-finals, Norrie would be unlikely to take the British number one spot from Draper. After all, Norrie would most probably play Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight.
However, Norrie would certainly have more than a puncher’s chance if he were to play Alcaraz. The British star has a 3-5 record against the Spaniard and beat him in their last match at the 2025 Paris Masters.