(Tennis news) With a 32-16 win-loss record and an ATP 500 victory in Rio, Norrie had an impressive 2023 season. Despite losing his first two tour finals of the year in Buenos Aires and Auckland, the British player won the gold medal in Rio after defeating an injured Carlos Alcaraz in three sets to win the championship.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old has not made an impression on the ATP tour since then and is currently on a four-match losing streak. It will be anticipated of the former World No. 8 to repeat his performance from Flushing Meadows from the previous year, when he advanced to the fourth round before falling to Andrey Rublev.
In contrast, Alexander Shevchenko, his opponent, will be competing on the men’s circuit for the first time in 2023. However, the 22-year-old has still achieved his finest performances on the ATP Challenger tour, where he took home a victory in Madrid and placed second in Phoenix.
Additionally, it should be remembered that the Russian has lost three of his last seven matches on the tour, a recent slump that began with the French Open in June.
Head-to-head
Shevchenko and Norrie will face for the first time in the first round match in New York, leaving their head-to-head record at 0-0.
Predictions
Norrie serves well and has strong groundstrokes on both wings, but she lacks the effortless power to penetrate the court. Having said that, the Brit can get by with his looping forehand, which will be aimed towards Shevchenko’s backhand, because he is a left-handed player.
Compared to his older opponent, the Russian is more aggressive and quick on his feet. He yet lacks experience and frequently has trouble choosing his shots.
When they square up on Tuesday (29 August), the 22-year-old is probably going to present Norrie with some opposition. However, the medium-paced Flushing Meadows courts will likely give the 28-year-old a substantial advantage because he has the stamina of a triathlon and can withstand any opponent’s firepower at this stage of his career.
Cameron Norrie to win in 3 sets
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