Surprise Finalists Cameron Norrie, Nikoloz Basilashvilli Set To Clash In Indian Wells Showdown
NDTV
Britain's Cameron Norrie dominated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with Nikoloz Basilashvili at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.
Britain's Cameron Norrie dominated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with Nikoloz Basilashvili at the ATP Indian Wells Masters. The 26-year-old Norrie overpowered Dimitrov in their semi-final to become the first British finalist since 2009. Norrie kept Dimitrov off guard with a strong serve, blasting four aces and hitting a number of precision forehands and backhands in the one hour, 27 minute match on the main stadium court in Southern California. "I am so happy," said Norrie. "Unfortunately he didn't bring his best today.
"I was very solid. I went a lot to his backhand he was getting frustrated with that. I managed to serve well and in the big moments I executed when I needed to."
Several Brits have reached the final in the California desert without success, including Andy Murray, who lost to Rafael Nadal in 2009.
Tim Henman lost two finals in 2002 and 2004, and Canadian-born Briton Greg Rusedski was runner-up in 1998.
Norrie was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and grew up in New Zealand before becoming the No. 1 college player in America while attending university in Texas. He has represented Great Britain since 2013.