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Cameron Norrie is known for his athleticism on court, but he had no answer to Francis Tiafoe’s pace and attack in their quarter-final match at the Indian Wells Open.
Norrie was hoping to extend his eight-match winning streak after claiming one of the most impressive victories of his career over sixth seed Andrei Rublev in the fourth round, but Tiafoe was beaten by the American 6-4 on Wednesday. 6-4.
Tiafoe took that momentum into the second set as he broke seven games from the opening set and was broken in game one. However, Norrie hit back immediately to give the world number 16 a 5-2 lead in just two more breaks. Although the British No. 1 got one break, Tiafoe served.
When asked about his strategy, the American replied: “I’m using my speed more not just to react to balls, but to get out of corners and stuff.” “I’m doing that much better now. Using my speed to be aggressive, getting forward, sticking volleys and being athletic out there.
“It’s hard for men. I’m really coming to you. Yes, he had no response to me today. Cam will be cam and end up making it hard for me. I flashed a bit there at the end, but I thought it was mostly one-way traffic.
Enemy show 🇺🇸@FTiafoe He defeated 2021 champion Cam Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semifinals and hasn’t quit all tournament yet.#Tennis paradise
pic.twitter.com/TjpT32jkFB– BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2023
12th seed Daniil Medvedev beat former world No. 1 Alejandro Davidevich Fokina 6-3, 7-5 in his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.
Tiafoe, who reached the semi-finals of last year’s US Open, has one singles title from the 2018 Delray Beach Open to his name, four titles to his name, and is naturally starting to win big titles.
“I mean, winning events like that is pretty cool — the more you put yourself in those kinds of places, the more chances you have to win these events and cross the line, right? You’ve got to win events like that to get to that top level of the game,” he said.
“It’s great to be in a movie. I’m really happy to be here. It’s just a semi-final. There’s a lot to do. It’s going to get tougher. Beating quality guys is going to get tougher.”
“Take it for what it is. I’m excited, humbled, and very, you know, very grateful for the opportunity, but I have to keep my head down and move on.
Read more: Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe are leading America’s tennis revolution.
