Coming into the French Open, Norrie mentioned he had been taking part in a few of his greatest tennis, describing his degree as just like when he was a top-10 participant again in 2022.
It raised eyebrows – however he proved to be proper.
A memorable five-set win over former world primary Medvedev set the tone, adopted by victories towards Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez and fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley, who changed him as British quantity two earlier this 12 months.
Going through Djokovic was a special proposition.
Norrie had misplaced all 5 of his earlier conferences with the three-time French Open champion, together with a three-set defeat within the Geneva Open 10 days in the past.
He was rapidly outmanoeuvred within the first set and, after Djokovic wanted medical therapy on foot blisters, the British quantity three couldn’t keep an early break within the second.
Crucially, Norrie couldn’t convert extra probabilities, with Djokovic saving break factors in prolonged service video games at 2-2 and 3-3.
The previous world primary then raced away with the ultimate set, breaking early and reeling off 5 video games in a row earlier than serving out victory.
Regardless of not with the ability to finish his depressing run towards Djokovic, Norrie mentioned it has been “a very pleasurable” clay-court swing.
Earlier this 12 months he had been at risk of tumbling out of the world’s high 100 after a tough couple of years struggling for type and health.
However a reinvigorated Norrie will now transfer again into the highest 60 when he begins the grass-court season again within the UK.
“I performed 20 clay-court matches, and for me that is large,” he mentioned.
“The way in which for me to take confidence is taking part in after which truly getting by way of some robust matches.”
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