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Cameron Norrie seeks Andy Murray’s advice | Nadal is not taking anything for granted

Ahead of Rafael Nadal clash, Cameron Norrie says he’ll “message Andy Murray & see what his thoughts are”

Cameron Norrie will confront Rafael Nadal for the 1st time ever in the 3rd round of the 2021 Australian Open on Saturday. And during his post-match interview after defeating Roman Safiulin in the 2nd round, Norrie divulged that he may possibly seek countryman Andy Murray’s advice to help him find a way past Nadal.

Andy Murray has played Rafael Nadal 24 times in his tenure, winning on seven occassions. The famous Brit was once part of the famed ‘Big 4’ of men’s tennis, alongside Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Cameron Norrie believes that his highly experienced compatriot may have a few tips on how to penetrate and dominate Rafael Nadal’s offence. However, the point to note here is that Murray has a totally different style and temperament then Norrie. We have to wait and see how much of this advice actually aids Norrie in the match today.

“I mean, that (texting Andy Murray for advice) would certainly be a good thing to do,” Norrie said. “I’m going to leave (the game strategy) up to my coach, but maybe message Andy Murray and see what his thought process is at this point. We play clearly pretty different, me being left handed, but he’s undeniably got some good tips in there.”

Britain’s Cameron Norrie clashes with world No 2 Rafael Nadal of Spain in the last match on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday (around 9.30-10am GMT).
Cameron Norrie’s praise for Rafael Nadal shows his respect. He mentioned that the Mallorcan’s game was largely flawless. The Brit emphasized on the significance of dictating the play against Nadal, because the Mallorcan never dithers to take the initiative.

“I think (Nadal has) apparently not really got many flaws, so I’m just gonna have to do what I do as well as I can and execute my game and strive to play the points on my terms,” Norrie said. “Otherwise if he’s the one controlling the game, it’s gonna be difficult and I’m gonna be running around a lot.”

Cameron Norrie has never competed against any member of the ‘Big 3’ before. The Brit has also never made it past the 3rd round of any Grand Slam to date.

That, coupled with Nadal’s remarkable record, makes Cameron Norrie the clear second best in this fixture.

Given that Norrie is the underdog, many believe that he has nothing to lose and will go out all guns blazing against Rafael Nadal. However, the Nadal contended that Norrie still has something to lose.

“That’s an old saying, nothing to lose, but don’t forget, he has a match to lose or to win, the same like me,” Nadal said.
Rafael Nadal added that he anticipates a difficult challenge from Cameron Norrie, since 3rd-round matches at Majors are never easy.

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“We are in the 3rd round of the first Grand Slam of the year. I cannot expect an easy challenger in front (of me),” added Nadal. “Norrie will not be an easy adversary.”

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