Cameron Norrie in the first round of the 2021 Australian Open
Cameron Norrie in the first round of the 2021 Australian Open | (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Indian Wells 2021 | Norrie edges Paul to reach first Masters 1000 quarter-final, Schwartzman awaits

  • Cameron Norrie [21] def Tommy Paul 6-4 4-6 6-2
  • Norrie v Diego Schwartzman [11] | H2H: Norrie leads 2-1
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Cameron Norrie edged out Tommy Paul to reach his first masters 1000 quarter-final where he will face Diego Schwartzman.

 

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Cameron Norrie [21] def Tommy Paul 6-4 4-6 6-2

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Cameron Norrie is into his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final after edging out Tommy Paul in three sets on a hot Californian day. The Brit found his range early on in the match as he stormed to an early double break with loose errors and an untimely double fault from the American. Paul eventually found his rhythm and confidence as he claimed one of the breaks back but it was Norrie who was too consistent and aggressive for the American as he closed out the opening set after 45 minutes.

However Paul reset himself in time for the start of the second set with some good aggressive intent from the return as a rush into the net forced the errors from Norrie as he broke for a 2-0 lead. The break advantage didn’t last long though as Norrie’s fast court coverage prevailed as he broke back with a stunning forehand winner in the fifth game.

As the set was reaching its crucial stage nobody wanted to make errors while both players were holding comfortably. But in the tenth game it was Norrie who would rush his shots and produce errors from deep returning from the American as Paul broke to take the second set 6-4.

Both players started the final set impressively on return with both players grinding out returns of serve. In the end it was Norrie who ground down the American with patience during rallies and fast court coverage. A run of four games in a row was sealed by an ace from the Brit as he booked his place in a first masters 1000 quarter-final.

 

 Cameron Norrie [21] v Diego Schwartzman [11] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Cameron Norrie [21] v Diego Schwartzman [11]

H2H: Norrie leads 2-1  

ATP Indian Wells

Indian Wells, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $175,000

First on Stadium 1 (19:00 BST)

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Norrie now takes on 11th seed Diego Schwartzman who has beaten Dan Evans and Casper Ruud on his way to the last eight at Indian Wells.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021 – Hard)

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H2H:

Cameron Norrie (WR 26)

Diego Schwartzman (WR 15)

Tournament Previous Best

R1 (2018, 2019)

R3 (2019)

1st Serve %

65.4

62.6

Service Games Won %

78.8

78.6

Break Points Saved %

58.3

60.5

2nd Serve Return Points Won %

52.5

57.4

Break Points Converted %

43.5

44.7

Both players are well matched in all departments with the Argentinian being more clinical when it comes to converting and saving break points. Norrie will need to be more clinical against Schwartzman if he wants to reach the semi-finals.

 

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Playing Styles and Prediction

The Argentinian has improved his form dramatically over the US hard court season and a big win over in-form Ruud will only give him more confidence. Schwartzman’s ability to produce effective point construction and be clinical in the important moments have lead him to being one of the most difficult opponents on the tour.

This match will be a war of attrition with both players willing to grind each other out in a bid to reach the semi-finals. Ultimately it will come to a battle between Schwartzman’s clinical finishing and Norrie’s court coverage and discipline. It will be a tough battle but it’s one that Norrie’s aggression on big points should prevail here.

Prediction: Norrie in three sets.   

 

 

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