ABN AMRO 2021: Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie Preview, Head-to-Head and Predictions for ATP Rotterdam Open

ABN AMRO 2021: Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie Preview, Head-to-Head and Predictions for ATP Rotterdam Open
Cameron Norrie(left) and Nikoloz Basilashvili (right)

Nikoloz Basilashvili, currently ranked no.40, and Cameron Norrie, currently ranked no.65, will be clashing in the Round of 32 of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament 2021, as part of the ATP Rotterdam Open.

Match Details

  • Tournament: ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament 2021  
  • Match: Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie
  • Date: 1st March 2021
  • Round: 1st Round 
  • Venue: Rotterdam, Netherlands 
  • Surface: Indoor Hard Court
  • Prize Money: 11,500 (EURO)
  • ATP Points: Zero

Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie Preview

Nikoloz Basilashvili

Cameron Norrie has barely broken a sweat to reach the main draw in Rotterdam. The World No. 65 has dropped a total of just seven games in his two qualifying matches, allowing him to be sharp for the first round. The Briton has been plowing away on the tour for some time now and seems to be reaping the rewards.

The 25-year-old has won an impressive eight of his last eleven matches and is incredibly tough mentally. This year has seen him reach the third round of a Grand Slam for a second time. Rafael Nadal prevented him from breaking new ground at the Australian Open.

FS Video

Nikoloz Basilashvili is coming into the match as a wildcard entrant, he faced defeat at the Australian Open in the first round and then again at the Open Sud de France at the hands of Gregoire Barrere, a much lower ranked player at world no. 114. It’s evident from his recent performances that he is able to put up a good fight but still struggles in terms of form.

Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie Head-to-head

Cameron Norrie

This will be the first meeting between these players and both will want to draw first blood in the head-to-head battle.

Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Cameron Norrie Match Prediction

Cameron Norrie at Wimbledon

Basilashvili is one of the hardest hitters in the game right now. The Georgian’s style is to outhit the opponent at every opportunity and is surprisingly consistent for someone who strikes the ball with such ferocity. The ATP recorded Basilahvili’s backhand as the most powerful in data recorded from 2018-2020, and that’s his weaker side.

The 28-year-old is most comfortable on hard courts and already has an ATP 500 series title under his belt – he was the Beijing champion in 2018, overpowering Juan Martin del Potro in the final. But that’s in the past for the player ranked world no. 40, who is currently in quite a slump. Basiliashvili is on a four match losing streak and has lost his last nine sets.

The last thing the Georgian would want right now is to face a player in form and Norrie will relish this opportunity. The Briton has become extremely match tough and enjoys gritty, physical matches – so chasing down his opponents booming shots will play perfectly into his hands. Norrie keeps such a consistent level in his matches so he will love Basilashvili’s fluctuating style.

Norrie usually is more than happy to defend from the back of the court and will look to frustrate the Georgian with his resilience. Basiliahvili is capable of moments of brilliance, but you have to back Norrie to whether the storm and get through this one unscathed.

Match Prediction: Norrie to win in straight sets

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