PARIS — British tennis star Cameron Norrie delivered a stunning upset at the 2024 French Open, defeating world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in a grueling five-set thriller. But it was Norrie’s post-match comments that truly rubbed salt into the Russian’s wounds, sparking controversy and admiration in equal measure.
The 28-year-old Norrie, seeded 32nd, battled back from two sets down to claim a 3-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory in a match that lasted over four hours. The win marked Norrie’s first-ever triumph over Medvedev and his first career comeback from two sets down at a Grand Slam. Yet, it was his brutally honest assessment of Medvedev’s performance that stole the headlines.
Norrie’s Brutal Assessment
In his post-match press conference, Norrie didn’t hold back. "I could see he was struggling physically, and honestly, I knew if I kept pushing, he’d crack. He’s not the same player on clay, and today proved it," Norrie said, referencing Medvedev’s well-documented struggles on the surface.
Medvedev, a former US Open champion and two-time Australian Open finalist, has often been vocal about his dislike for clay. Norrie capitalized on this, targeting the Russian’s movement and endurance. "I made sure every point was a battle. By the fourth set, he was done—mentally and physically. That’s when I knew I had him."
The Turning Point
The match shifted dramatically in the third set when Norrie began exploiting Medvedev’s fading stamina. Key moments included:
- A 22-shot rally in the third set that left Medvedev visibly exhausted
- Norrie’s relentless drop shots, forcing Medvedev to cover extra ground
- Medvedev’s double faults at critical moments, including one on break point in the fifth set
Norrie’s strategy was clear: wear Medvedev down. "I knew if I could extend the rallies, he’d start missing. Clay isn’t his thing, and I used that to my advantage. It’s not just about hitting winners—it’s about making him uncomfortable," Norrie explained.
Medvedev’s Reaction
Medvedev, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, was uncharacteristically subdued after the loss. When asked about Norrie’s comments, he shrugged them off but admitted, "He played better. I didn’t have the energy in the end. Clay is tough for me, but that’s no excuse."
However, tennis analysts weren’t as forgiving. Former player and commentator Brad Gilbert tweeted, "Norrie just exposed Medvedev’s biggest weakness. If you can’t grind on clay, you’re not winning Roland Garros. Simple as that."
What’s Next for Norrie?
With this victory, Norrie advances to the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in his career. He’ll face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Lorenzo Musetti, both formidable clay-court players. Norrie remains confident: "I’ve proven I can hang with the best. Why not go all the way?"
Conclusion
Cameron Norrie’s win over Daniil Medvedev wasn’t just a triumph of skill—it was a masterclass in mental warfare. His candid remarks post-match added fuel to the fire, ensuring this match will be remembered as much for the drama as for the tennis. Whether Norrie can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he’s no longer flying under the radar.