Cam Norrie Becomes New British No. 1
Cam Norrie’s breakthrough season continues as he reaches the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, securing the prestigious title of British men’s number 1.
Norrie started the season ranked at 74 in the world and has produced brilliant tennis week after week becoming one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour. The steady rise of Norrie has gone largely unnoticed by the British public as most of it has taken place on outside courts at relatively low-level tournaments, but this run in Indian Wells has made many take note of the 26 year old.
Watching Cam’s success in 2021 unfold has been a joy, his unorthodox game has consistently bamboozled opponents, leaving many established players giving off an air of ‘how the hell am I losing to this guy?’. Norrie doesn’t have a particularly aesthetically pleasing game, he’s got a bunty double hander and a somewhat flailing lefty forehand, but it all seems to work. Really work.
In 2021, Cam has notched up wins against Rublev, Schwartzman, Shapovalov, Kyrgios and 37 other top players. In fact, Norrie is closing in on surpassing Novak Djokovic in total matches won in 2021 with Novak standing at 44 and Norrie at 41. To say that Norrie has had a good season is very much an understatement, Norrie has had one of the best seasons an ATP player could hope for.
Norrie uses the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19, a version of the frame he’s used since his college days. The Pure Strike is a control-oriented racket with huge spin capabilities that Norrie uses to great effect on his forehand side. He can also produce different spins with his dangerous lefty serve. Dominic Thiem also endorses the Pure Strike 16x19, a player who’s no stranger to spin.
As the ATP calendar draws to a close in 2021, Norrie will be looking to finish strong. He’s even has a shot at qualifying for the year end finals in Turin as Norrie currently sits at 14 in the rankings race. It’s safe to say that British tennis is in good shape at the moment, with many players to keep your eye on and a growing interest in the sport nationwide.
Written by Aron Dochard
