‘Perfect preparation before Roland Garros’ Cameron Norrie through to Lyon quarter-finals

British number one Cameron Norrie has claimed a routine straight sets victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo to reach the quarter-finals of the Lyon Open.

Norrie, who was given a bye into the second round as result of being the top seed, made light work of the world number 44.

The world number 11 broke the Argentinian’s serve twice in each set to complete a one-hour, 40-minute 6-4, 6-4 win.

Cameron Norrie will be hoping to go one step further this year as in 2021 he lost in the championship match to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Having also made the semi-finals on debut in 2018, Norrie reflected on his success at the Lyon Open in recent years and on Wednesday’s performance, stating that it is “perfect preparation” for the upcoming French Open.

Norrie told reporters: “It is so nice to be here in Lyon. In the park it is pretty relaxed and perfect preparation before Roland Garros.

“I am really happy with the way I managed myself. It was not easy, Francisco is a great player, especially on the clay.”

The South African born Norrie will next face a second Argentinian in the form of Sebastian Baez. The seventh seed beat Belgian Oscar Otte in three sets to reach the third round, with Norrie wary of Baez and his great form and quality on clay.

The 21-year-old Baez claimed his maiden tour-level title in Estoril only last month and reached the second round of the Rome Masters last week.

Speaking of his upcoming opponent, Norrie praised Baez stating that he is ready for a stern test against the young Argentinian.

“He [Baez] is having a great year, and I really liked his game when I was in Argentina doing a pre-season many years ago, so it’s nice to see him come on and it’s going to be tough.

“He’s won a title on the clay already this year in Estoril and he’s really enjoying his tennis. I practised with him the other day and he’s hitting the ball big off both sides, so it’s going to be a tough one.”

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