Cameron Norrie has spoken out after losing in the first round of Wimbledon to qualifier Michael Zheng,
The 30-year-old exited the competition after losing 7-6 (9-7), 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (10-40).
Norrie, who lost on a dismal opening day for British stars, admitted he was surprised by the talent of his opponent.
“I knew he was a good player,” said Norrie. “I was quite surprised how he handled my game.
“My backhand to his forehand, he actually quite liked that, which is on the grass probably my most effective play.
“He was giving me nothing there, which is weird for me. Usually I’m getting so many free points on that exchange.
“I had to adapt in the match. He was adapting well. He was changing his serve. I was not so much surprised, more impressed with his level. Give him a lot of credit.
“Especially the way he won the fifth set, maybe hit seven winners in the fifth-set tie-breaker is pretty good. He deserved it in the end in that tie-break.”
Cameron Norrie said his opponent ‘was giving me nothing’
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REUTERS
It was a miserable Monday for British star, with Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper both pulling out from the tournament through injury.
Norrie insisted that did not impact him, saying: “I didn’t feel that [pressure]. I didn’t know Jack had pulled out, which is tough. I just found out now.
“But I just wanted to beat Michael today. I was preparing for that. Wanted to get ready for every single point, fight as hard as I could, and bring my best attitude, like I always have my whole career.
“I was not thinking about any of that stuff. I was excited this morning to play Wimbledon. It was a nice experience. Tough one, but I’m looking forward to next year already.”
Norrie lost in a five-set thriller to Zheng
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REUTERS
Zheng’s victory is the biggest of his short career so far, after making it to the first round by beating three others in qualifying.
Speaking after beating Norrie, Zheng said: “First of all, thank you to the crowd because it was an unbelievable atmosphere.
“I’m really honoured to have been a part of a match like this.
“It means so much to me. This is what every kid dreams of, playing like this in front of so many people and against such an accomplished player. It is an amazing feeling.
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“It definitely wasn’t easy at times, I just do my best not to show it. It was definitely a little bit frustrating inside when I had been serving so well, then I got a couple of chances to break that I hadn’t really had during the match, and it didn’t go my way.
“I just did my best to refocus and win the match after that. I didn’t want to give anything much attention.
“Wimbledon is far and away the best tournament. The people, the architecture, the hospitality is amazing.
“I’ve always enjoyed my time here, so hopefully I can keep this run going. This is such an amazing place.”
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