Cameron Norrie relishing challenge of becoming the hunted instead of the hunter
After an impressive breakout season, Cameron Norrie has accepted that he is no longer the underdog and will be one of the names players will look to beat.
In 2020, Norrie finished 71st in the ATP World rankings but last year he rose 59 places to finish 12th in the world. Norrie has previously outlined his plans to move closer to the World number one position.
This sudden rise in the rankings came as a result of an accomplished breakthrough season where he won his first ATP Masters 1000 event at the Indian Wells Masters.
This Masters win earned Norrie high-praise from 20-time Grand Slam champion and World number one Novak Djokovic, who had been impressed with the Brit’s performances.
Whilst Norrie initially narrowly missed out on the season concluding ATP Finals, he still made an appearance after replacing World number four Stefanos Tsitsipas who was forced to withdraw with an elbow injury.
As a result of his quick rise up the ATP rankings, Norrie now recognises he will no longer be the underdog and players will now look to beat him as he fronts Great Britain’s ATP Cup campaign.
Great Britain have been placed in a difficult group C alongside Canada and Germany at this year’s ATP Cup. Canada boast World number 11 Felix Auger-Aliassime whilst Germany are spearheaded by World number three and Olympic gold medallist Alexander Zverev.
The Brit said “it’s exactly where I want to be, and exactly the matches I want to be playing leading into the Australian Open and [there is] no better way to do it.
“I can’t complain. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. I think it’s just a slightly different mindset.
“A lot of the time last year I was being the underdog and going out and hunting those guys, whereas now I think some of the time it’s going to be people hunting me.
“The pressure only gets more, but I’m looking forward to it and feeling good physically and excited to kick off the year in such a great team event.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’m really looking forward to it. I think I’m feeling good physically. I’m really enjoying my tennis. That’s been a big factor. I’m really looking forward to hopefully backing it up again next year.”
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