Norrie in PRIME mode!

The Brit is finding his best tennis again at a tournament he’s already won, just goes to show there’s no such thing as coincidence.

MONSTROUS level of play from Norrie since the start of the tournament, what he’s doing is perfect. His loopy forehand kicks up high and pushes his opponents back, then his flat backhand is a pain to dig out, his unorthodox game is really troublesome at Indian Wells. Beyond the style, it’s really his level that makes the difference, he’s finally solid physically and he doesn’t shy away from long rallies, he’s ready to play for a long time. His motivation goes up in this kind of tournament and that makes him a dangerous opponent for a lot of players, including Carlito?

Bothering 90% of the players on tour and bothering Alcaraz/Sinner is not the same thing at all, and Norrie actually manages it against Alcaraz! He’s only trailing 5–3 in the H2H and he almost always plays big matches against him. I don’t know if we can label him a giant-killer, but he can become one of the most annoying guys to face on tour when he’s locked in. With his attitude that can frustrate a lot of people, he won’t give anything away. But even then, we’re talking about Alcaraz on the other side of the net! Sure, the Spaniard doesn’t have an amazing H2H against him, but he’s mainly 15–0 this year and maybe playing the best tennis of his life? Everything seems spot-on in his game and attitude right now. These conditions are incredible for him and even if Norrie gives him a hard time, for me it’ll just depend on Alcaraz’s level tomorrow.

With his lefty touch and the level Norrie is showing this week, I kind of want to give him some credit, I imagine he’ll at least be able to keep it close for one set, right?