Casper Ruud had very few problems with Cameron Norrie in the past, but today, the Brit returned the favor at the 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne.
We've seen this matchup a few times in the past, and for the most part, Ruud handled Norrie pretty well. Many expected something similar today because Ruud generally played well this year, certainly beetter than the Brit did.
Despite all that, Norrie shined bright in this one, taking the Norwegian down in four sets. It was a good match, as they both served well and played well from the baseline. It was just that, situationally, Norrie came up with the right things at the right time.
He won the opening set with very aggressive play and just better situational play. He saved all 5 break points he faced while converting the only one he had to win it 6-4. The second one was another close one but it was Ruud who won in the tiebreak.
A spectacular set by the Norwegian, but once again, a set where he didn't convert any break points. Norrie didn't even see one. The third set was again a wonderful set of tennis by both players but just a tiny bit better for Norrie.
It was also a huge missed chance by Ruud, who took a 3-2 lead, finally breaking after almost two hours of play. Norrie would break back immediately and then add another one later on to win the set 6-4.
That was the crucial moment, as Ruud taking that set would have likely sealed the win for him. Norrie would play another strong set to finish it off 3-1 overall. The final score was 6-4 6-7(7) 6-4 6-3. Just a wonderful performance from the Brit, his best in a long time.
Cameron Norrie | Casper Ruud | |
11 | Aces | 19 |
3 | Double Faults | 4 |
61% | First Serve % | 69% |
77% (60/78) | Points Won After First Serve % | 75% (63/84) |
62% (31/50) | Points Won After Second Serve % | 47% (18/38) |
67% (4/6) | Break Point Conversion | 10% (1/10) |
62 | Winners | 54 |
36 | Unforced Errors | 28 |