MADRID — Britain's Cameron Norrie battled through illness to secure a hard-fought victory against Spanish wildcard Martin Landaluce in the first round of the Madrid Open, later describing it as "one of my favourite wins" in his career.
A Gritty Performance Under Pressure
Norrie, the British No. 1, was visibly struggling with illness throughout the match but managed to dig deep to defeat the 18-year-old Landaluce 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 in a grueling two-hour, 45-minute encounter. The 28-year-old later revealed he had been suffering from a stomach bug in the lead-up to the match, making his victory even more impressive.
Speaking after the match, Norrie admitted, "I was really struggling physically. I didn’t sleep much last night and felt terrible this morning. To get through that match, especially against a young, hungry opponent, means a lot."
Overcoming Adversity
Norrie’s resilience was on full display as he fought through fatigue and discomfort. Despite losing the second set in a tense tiebreak, he regrouped in the decider, relying on his experience to outlast the rising Spanish talent. Key moments included:
- Saving crucial break points in the third set
- Maintaining composure under pressure
- Capitalizing on Landaluce’s inexperience in key rallies
Norrie praised his opponent, saying, "Martin played great—he’s got a bright future. I had to really fight for every point, and I’m just happy to get through."
A Career Highlight
Despite being a former top-10 player and a Grand Slam semifinalist, Norrie ranked this win among his most memorable. "It’s definitely up there," he said. "When you’re not feeling your best and still find a way, it’s really special."
The victory marked Norrie’s return to form after a challenging start to the clay season. His determination to push through adversity showcased the mental toughness that has defined his career.
Looking Ahead
Norrie’s next challenge will be against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the second round. With his health improving, he remains optimistic about his chances in Madrid. "I’ll recover as best as I can and be ready for the next one," he stated.
This win not only keeps Norrie’s Madrid Open campaign alive but also reinforces his reputation as one of the toughest competitors on tour—proving once again that even when far from his best, he’s capable of producing remarkable victories.