LONDON — Cameron Norrie remains the last Briton standing in the men's singles draw at Wimbledon after securing a straight-set victory over Italian Matteo Bellucci to advance to the fourth round. The British No. 1, seeded 28th, delivered a composed performance on Court 1, winning 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in just under two hours.
Norrie Channels Murray's Crowd Energy
Norrie, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2022, admitted post-match that he drew inspiration from Andy Murray’s famous ability to rally the home crowd. "I tried to use the crowd like Andy does—they were amazing today," Norrie said. "When I needed that extra push, they really lifted me."
The 28-year-old left-hander showcased his trademark consistency, wearing down Bellucci with relentless baseline play. Norrie’s ability to dictate rallies with his forehand and exploit Bellucci’s weaker backhand side proved decisive. Key stats from the match included:
- First-serve points won: Norrie 78%, Bellucci 62%
- Break points converted: Norrie 4/7, Bellucci 0/3
- Winners: Norrie 28, Bellucci 18
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Norrie revealed that a mid-match tactical shift helped him maintain control. "I started mixing up the pace more in the second set," he explained. "Matteo was comfortable with rhythm, so I had to disrupt that." The strategy worked, as Bellucci’s error count rose sharply in the latter stages.
Coaching Insight
Norrie’s coach, Facundo Lugones, praised his player’s adaptability. "Cam recognized the patterns early and adjusted perfectly," Lugones said. "His returning was exceptional—he put Bellucci under constant pressure."
Next Challenge: Fourth-Round Showdown
Norrie now faces fourth seed Alexander Zverev in what promises to be a stern test. The German advanced with a four-set win over Lorenzo Sonego. Zverev leads their head-to-head 5-0, but Norrie remains optimistic: "I’ve learned from those matches. On grass, with the crowd behind me, it’s a different story."
Zverev acknowledged the threat Norrie poses: "Cam is one of the fittest guys on tour, and he makes you work for every point. I’ll need to serve well and stay aggressive." The match is scheduled for Monday on Centre Court.
British Hopes Rest on Norrie
With Andy Murray withdrawing from singles due to injury and no other British men progressing past the second round, Norrie carries the nation’s hopes. His performance has already drawn praise from tennis legends, including Tim Henman: "Cam’s handling the pressure brilliantly. His movement and shot selection today were first-class."
Norrie’s run marks the third time in four years he’s reached the second week at Wimbledon. His 2022 semifinal appearance remains Britain’s best men’s singles result since Murray’s 2016 title. When asked about replicating that feat, Norrie smiled: "One match at a time. Right now, I’m just enjoying the ride."
Grass-Court Form Peaking at Right Time
Norrie’s victory extended his grass-court winning streak to six matches, including his title at Queen’s Club last month. His improved serve—he hit 8 aces against Bellucci—has been particularly encouraging. "I’ve worked hard on adding more free points," Norrie noted. "On grass, that makes all the difference."
As the tournament enters its second week, Norrie’s blend of grit and tactical intelligence makes him a dangerous floater in the draw. With the crowd firmly behind him, the British No. 1 will look to channel that energy against Zverev in what could be a career-defining match.
Reflecting on his journey, Norrie emphasized his connection to the tournament: "Wimbledon’s always special. Playing here as the British No. 1, with everyone supporting you—it doesn’t get better." For British tennis fans hoping for a home champion, Norrie’s continued progress offers compelling drama.