British No. 1 Cameron Norrie was defeated by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round at the LTA’s HSBC Championships
Cameron Norrie could not make good on his return from injury at the LTA’s HSBC Championships as he lost in straight sets to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The British No. 1 lost 7-6 6-2 on the Andy Murray Arena, taking the first to a tie break which he lost 8-6 before collapsing in the second set against a Spaniard in scintillating form.
The 30-year-old based in London had been forced to withdraw from the first round at the French Open due to a swollen rib and despite being back to fitness in time for the grass court season, could not produce a victory to mark his return.
“I started well and I thought the level was really high. It was one of my better matches at Queen’s,” he reflected.
“He came up with some big shots in key moments, and he served really well on the tie break and then I was sluggish in the beginning of the second.”
“There was maybe a bit of disappointment from the first set going into the second set and he played amazing to finish the match so credit to him.”
But Norrie feels in the clear of the injury that blighted his previous Grand Slam hopes as he heads into the most special of them all.
“Thee rib feels great, it feels better,” he added. “I took a nice break, and it was nice to play a match not thinking about my body.
“I’ve got a lot of time now to prepare for Wimbledon. I’m going to have to be patient and get ready for Wimbledon.
“I always feel quite relaxed playing at Wimbledon and it’s such a special tournament. My favourite tournament in the world so I’m excited and ready to go.”
Norrie achieved a run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022 – his best performance at a Grand Slam competition – having beaten Tommy Paul in three sets to make it to the final four.
Once there, he was met by top seed and eventual champion Novak Djokovic as he came undone over four sets to miss out on that hallowed spot in the final.
But his outing at the Queen’s Club came with a taste of the support the 30-year-old can expect to receive when he once more returns to the grass courts of SW19 this summer with dreams of bettering that glorious run.
And when he next sees the Brits cheering him on, he will hope to deliver a more fitting display.
“It was such a nice afternoon. They tried to get behind me, but I couldn’t give them enough firepower, so it was really special,” he added.
For the latest updates on the British summer grass court season, visit the LTA website, lta.org.uk
