Cameron Norrie has been making the most of the perks of Wimbledon membership as he prepares to lead British hopes once more.
The twelfth seed is the highest-ranked house participant and represents the finest probability of a deep run, notably given his breakthrough success in reaching the semi-finals 12 months in the past.
That earned Norrie membership of one of Britain’s most unique sporting golf equipment, which he has been absolutely embracing.
“At the finish of final 12 months, I had a bit of day without work,” he stated. “I used to be coming to the membership and did some fitness center work right here. Had dinner right here one evening. Earlier than Queen’s I used to be coming right here utilizing the fitness center. Final week coming right here and utilizing the membership loads.
“The meals is so good right here, even outdoors of the event. Me and my health coach actually like the fitness center. Clearly to practise right here sooner or later was nice, too.
“I simply acquired my membership, so it was cool to use that. It’s such a pleasant membership. It’s nearly price coming right here simply to have a bathe and simply to get pleasure from, the showers they’ve are so good.
“It feels so particular. I believe much more so when the event just isn’t even on. Not many individuals are round. The services are clearly so good. You get handled like somebody actually particular.”
I might fairly have that than the reverse to that and (folks) be like, ‘You are going to bomb out first spherical once more right here’.
Cameron Norrie on the excessive expectations
Norrie has spent shut to two years in the world’s prime 20 regardless of not incomes any rating factors for his achievements right here final 12 months.
This season he received his fifth ATP Tour title, beating Carlos Alcaraz in Rio in February, and, regardless of extra shaky type just lately, he’s completely happy to carry the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
He stated: “There’s extra questions like that being requested. However I’d fairly have that than the reverse to that and (folks) be like, ‘You’re going to bomb out first spherical once more right here’.
“I believe you’ve to embrace it, you’ve to get pleasure from that. Final 12 months I did a extremely good job of that, having fun with the matches, having fun with the media. I used to be loving each second of it. I had all my family and friends watching.
“I’m excited, particularly after final 12 months. Follow has been going very well. I’m hitting the ball in addition to I can. I believe all the preparation has been there. It’s at all times good emotions, good sensations earlier than Wimbledon. My favorite event, so I can’t wait.”
Final 12 months the draw opened up for Norrie however he seems to have his work reduce out if he’s to make the latter phases once more, with American Sebastian Korda, who he misplaced to at Queen’s Membership, probably lurking in the third spherical, whereas Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are in his quarter.
First up on Tuesday, Norrie will face Czech qualifier Tomas Machac, a 22-year-old ranked 107.
“He’s actually a proficient man, Tomas,” stated Norrie, who misplaced to Machac’s Davis Cup team-mate Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open.
“I’m watching some of his matches in the qualies. I believe he’s a typical Czech participant, actually good backhand. I believe he’ll see it as a extremely good alternative, taking part in a prime participant.
“I do know I’m going to get loads of rhythm. I believe it’s an excellent one for me. I’m wanting ahead to an excellent problem. Simply going to be a tricky one and I’ve to play nice.”
