Cameron Norrie’s new attacking recreation type towards Casper Ruud got here as a shock to many, however to not his subsequent opponent Alexander Zverev.
The British No 1 eschewed his typical grinding baseline recreation, making frequent forays to the web, and his reward was the perfect Grand Slam victory of his profession.
By means of to the fourth spherical of the Australian Open for the primary time, Norrie will attempt to break extra new floor with victory over a high 10 participant at a significant on Margaret Court docket Area, not earlier than 5am UK time on Monday.
Zverev had a sneak peek at Norrie’s new ways once they skilled collectively throughout pre-season and the German stated: “I actually thought he played exactly what he was working on in the off-season.
“We clearly spent the low season collectively in Monaco, so I’ve seen him each single day. That is precisely what he was engaged on.”
He continued: “Whenever you consider Cameron Norrie, you usually consider someone who grinds loads, a giant fighter. However within the low season he actually labored on his recreation and he actually labored on the aggressive type of play. He actually labored on coming ahead.
“It was very noticeable in December, and you can see it on the court now. The work is paying off for him.”
Norrie moved to Monte Carlo in 2022, partly as a result of it might imply having the ability to prepare with a few of the greatest gamers on the earth, whereas he employed a brand new assistant coach in former Wimbledon doubles champion Stephen Huss.
Having struggled through the second half of final season, Norrie seems rejuvenated and he stated: “Even just being in the second week for the first time in Australia, never done that. It means a lot to do that and start the year playing some good tennis.
“I believe it simply helped having a superb break and a extremely good low season to place lots of time on the courtroom and get higher as a participant.
“I think it just comes down to how can you play the biggest points the best and feeling calm and feeling good about yourself. I have done that, and I was feeling that coming into the season.
“I need to preserve going. I do know it simply will get harder. Subsequent match goes to be harder.”
Norrie will certainly have to adjust the game plan for his clash with sixth-ranked Zverev, who has made a strong return to the top of the sport following a serious ankle injury in 2022.
Norrie relentlessly attacked Ruud’s backhand but Zverev has one of the best in the business, while putting the German under pressure on serve will be a challenge.
He has overwhelmed Norrie on every of the 4 earlier events they’ve performed with out dropping a set.
“I sat down with (coach) Facu (Lugones) and watched the matches with Casper back, and we talked a lot about what wasn’t working,” stated Norrie, who had additionally misplaced thrice to Ruud previous to Saturday’s victory.
“I think there will be a lot of things in there with Zverev. The last few times I have played him, it’s kind of been a similar match every time, a tough set and then he’s run away with it.”
Zverev is taking nothing without any consideration, saying of Norrie: “He’s playing great tennis, beating Casper. I think Casper was undefeated in Australia so far this year, also playing great tennis. I’m looking forward to a tough match.
“I believe all people is all the time enhancing. Everyone is all the time making an attempt new issues. I believe with Cam this yr, you positively see that. I am simply going to attempt to preserve going for it and simply attempt to lengthen my lead.”
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