There are stealth planes that have flown less under the radar than Cameron Norrie at Wimbledon over the years. But halfway through the quiet destruction of British No. 1 officer Steve Johnson, something changed. People started to get up. Shake your fists. Make noise.
And as decibel levels rose, the ever-bustling crowd also offered a new chant: “Norrie! Norrie! Norrie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” It was the sound of joy, but also of acceptance.
It took a while. The fact that Norrie was born in Johannesburg to a Scottish father and a Welsh mother – and then spent the first 16 years of her life in New Zealand – may have played an important role. Its late development and pandemic have also made it take a while to overcome it.
But without a doubt, Norrie has now after destroying Johnson by 6-4, 6-1, 6-0 to make the round of 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.
“I played really well today and I enjoyed it,” Norrie said. “It was great to see the reaction from the crowd and it certainly increased the atmosphere of the match.” Asked directly about the song, he began to smile. “Honestly, it was pretty fun,” he replied. “I don’t know why she was thinking, every time they sang it, she broke the service. It’s a good sign: I’m a little superstitious. But when you have the momentum and everything goes your way, it can help. I will definitely take it.
“On the other hand, if I was below the scoreboard, they could take me over. Trying to use it to my advantage as much as I could. It was a lot of fun out there.”
Norrie also addressed his background, noting that he had lived in London before and after going to college in the US. “I’m very rarely in New Zealand,” he added. “I have barely been in tennis in the last five years, obviously. I feel really good in London. “It certainly seems to be the case. And all of a sudden, Norrie can see a path to the semifinals that seems much more manageable than she might have dared to believe. The next thing is the boss. No. 30 American Tommy Paul, who has enjoyed a good turf season.Then is likely to be 23rd seed Frances Tiafoe.
Cameron Norrie connects with a live on his way to defeat Steve Johnson in straight sets. Photography: Toby Melville / Reuters
Both parties are likely to be coin tosses. But they can also be won. “It’s sure to be a battle,” he said. “Tommy has won very comfortably today. I think the grass is probably his best surface. He looks very closed and really likes the grass. It will be very difficult, regardless of whether the draw is open or not.
“At the end of the day I’ll take it. I practice with Tommy. He’s a good friend of mine. In fact, we’ve played maybe two or three times here at Wimbledon. We know each other’s game very well. Good friends off the court “But we will both put it aside on Sunday.”
One of the enduring themes of this first week has been the slowness that has been the central track to filling anything close to its capacity. However, here it was especially evident. The old pavilion, which is celebrating its centenary this year, still had more than half within 20 minutes of the match.
Those who arrived early would have noticed that Norrie was by far the sharpest player at first, but was unable to take advantage of the double-breaking opportunities with the 2-1 and 3-2. A fifth break point also called for a 5-4, 40-15 serve to Johnson. But moments later, an ordinary winner lifted the crowd on his feet while Norrie made the first set after 41 minutes.
Grass is Johnson’s best surface and the only one where he has a positive balance of wins and losses. But when she broke at the start of the second set, her shoulders began to fall and her heart was no longer there, while Norrie ran for a two-set lead.
Unlike most big names in tennis, Norrie does not possess any truly monstrous weapons. His service does not tear the heart of the rival. His background shots (a strong strong topspin and a flat backhand) are more accurate than powerful. However, what it has more than most is a supreme fitness. He never excelled better than the 1-1 in the second set, when he not only bounced back to regain a lob, but he did so so quickly that he had time to put Johnson on the defensive with his later throw. .
Norrie wasn’t about to take Johnson’s throat out of his throat. A break immediately at the start of the third was followed by another, and it was suddenly 3-0 in favor and in view of the goal. Towards the end, a fan shouted “We love you Cameron.” He smiled back. And then he finished the job.