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Draper vs Norrie: “Won’t be any love lost”
7 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Perhaps the most intriguing first week match, which is under the radar, will be the fascinating second round showdown between the current British no. 1 vs the previous British no. 1.
Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie are set to do battle on Thursday in a civil war of British tennis.
Draper discussed the complications of playing his Davis Cup teammate after beating Elias Ymer in five sets yesterday.
“I think we have huge respect for each other. We’ve practiced together so many times, been a part of Davis Cup together. I wouldn’t say we are extremely close but we definitely support each other, definitely have a great relationship. I think it’s going to be an interesting match up against him because we both know each other’s games, we know each other personally. It’s going to be a tough match.”
The 28 year old Norrie, now ranked 42, has beaten the 28th ranked 22 year old in their two previous clashes – 2021 Queens QF 63 63 and 2022 Miami 76 64.
Draper admits Norrie will have extra motivations to knock off the new darling of British tennis. “He won’t like the fact that I’m British no. 1 now. I’m a lot younger (six years). Dan (Evans) and Cam definitely won’t like seeing me being British no. 1. I think that creates a really healthy rivalry environment.”
After mentioning the jealousy and selfishness aspects of being a top ATP player, Draper backtracked a few steps. “We all have great respect for each other. We all want to see each other succeed and do well. It’s nice to practice with him when I can but for sure we’re all competitors first, we’re all individuals, we want to win. We want to do the best we can. I think it’s going to be a really competitive match on Thursday and there won’t be any love lost – for sure. It’ll be a good match to watch.”
So there you have it, the war of words from Jack Draper. No love lost… these two ambitious titans are going to go at it tooth and nail.
“If I do all the work, I don’t see why I can’t be a great player like Andy Murray.”
Cameron Norrie · Jack Draper · Wimbledon
Steve · July 4, 2024 at 7:20 pm
I enjoy watching Norrie defeat people with his ugly strokes and effort. His style grows on you.
Apparently Fritz had some spicey comments for his opponent today.
Scoop Malinowski · July 4, 2024 at 8:37 pm
Norrie is one of the biggest ATP overachievers of this era IMO, de Minaur also. Now let’s see if this next TCU Brit Fearnley can also become an elite player like Norrie, today Fearnley showed he has massive potential. Fritz was annoyed by Rinderknech calling Fritz a whiner in relation to a 2023 French Open match that got heated with fans. Fritz proved today he’s not one to tolerate any disrespect from any opponent, he played with an extra anger today and it helped him get the win.
Steve · July 5, 2024 at 7:43 am
Kyrgios off-handedly mentioned he grew up with Norrie so I learned he is really a Kiwi at heart and only moved to Britain at 16 yrs old.
Scoop Malinowski · July 5, 2024 at 8:01 am
Norrie is from New Zealand I believe, another counterfeit Brit like Rusedski.
Steve · July 5, 2024 at 8:09 am
Hahahha Exactly.
EddietheEagle · July 6, 2024 at 3:34 am
Given all the recent hype over here around Draper, you can understand Norrie’s own mindset and determination to stand his ground in beating Draper.
Here’s Norrie’s earlier tennis story in his own words.
https://express.adobe.com/page/aRjH348Sb1mrV
In essence, he had no life in London beyond tennis. TCU enabled him to live more normally as a student while continuing to develop into a professional tennis player.
Scoop Malinowski · July 6, 2024 at 8:02 am
I didn’t realize Norrie was top ten junior. His decision turned out right. He wanted it more than Draper.