After reaching the finals of the San Diego Open a month ago, Cameron Norrie stunned one and all by winning the 2021 Indian Wells tournament in the Californian desert.
It has been a breakthrough year for the British player, who has notched up consistent wins across surfaces. In the process, Norrie who entered 2021 as World No.74 has suddenly moved to a career-best ATP ranking of 13.
The southpaw is also in the run to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin, next month. Although he is 11th in the race, Norrie can still make the cut at the marquee event.
Speaking about his views and chances to the media in Paris, Norrie said, “I know who is in the race, I know who I’m competing against, I’m looking at how they are doing. I think it’s very interesting to me, and I think it’s cool to have this added pressure of playing for an extra event at the end of the year.”
With six spots already sealed, there are only two places up for grabs. That said, by the end of the ongoing ATP Paris Masters, we will know who the other two players will be to qualify for Turin.
“All of us in the contest for it right now have not made this event before,” the 26-year-old opined. “So it’s all very special for us, and it’s a great opportunity, but I’m keeping my head down in terms of focusing on what I have to do in terms of getting ready for my matches and my practices, and I’m playing great in the practices and really enjoying my tennis still and I’m feeling good physically.”
Been a phenomenal season says Cameron Norrie
Alongside Norrie, Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner, Felix-Auger Aliassime and Hubert Hurkacz too are in contention. Meanwhile, Norrie beat Federico Delbonis in the opening round in Bercy. He will take on American, Reilly Opelka in the next round.
“I’m doing what I can. I know it’s a long shot for me to make the event. I’m quite far behind, so I’ve got a lot of work to do, but luckily there’s a lot of tennis left to be played. It’s cool that I’m in the conversation this late in the year,” the Indian Wells champion explained.
Before concluding, Norrie also mentioned how regardless of what happens in Paris, he will still remain pleased with how things have panned out in 2021.
“If not, I have had a phenomenal season, in my opinion, so I leave the year feeling great about my level and how things went but it will be a bonus to make it, as well.”
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