Norrie Fights Back to Secure Final Spot in Metz
British tennis star Cameron Norrie has once again battled his way into the championship match at the Moselle Open in Metz, setting up a chance for redemption after falling short in last year's final. The determined Brit staged another impressive comeback in the semi-finals, overcoming Italy's Lorenzo Sonego with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
A Hard-Fought Victory Against Sonego
For the third consecutive match in the tournament, Norrie found himself a set down. The opening stages were fraught with tension, as Norrie was visibly unsettled by what he felt was slow play from his opponent. However, the British number two recalibrated in the second set, seizing control of the contest with powerful, precise tennis. Sonego's resistance was finally broken when he served to stay in the match during the deciding set, allowing Norrie to clinch a well-earned victory.
This deep run in Metz has guaranteed that Norrie will finish the season ranked inside the world's top 30, a solid achievement for the consistent performer. Reflecting on the match with Sky Sports, Norrie showed respect for his opponent, stating, "It's always a battle when I play Lorenzo. I have a lot of respect for him, he's so passionate about tennis and he came to fight, and we both fought hard today."
Chasing a Sixth ATP Title
Norrie now aims to go one step further than his performance in 2024, where he was defeated by Benjamin Bonzi. In the final, he will face either Learner Tien or lucky loser Vitaliy Sachko as he pursues his sixth ATP Tour title. Expressing his joy and mindset, Norrie added, "I was really happy with my level. In the third set, even though he was fighting, I really was playing free... To make the final again here, it's a special stadium, it's a nice feel. Nothing changes for me tomorrow. One more day to enjoy my tennis for the year. I'm a lucky guy."
In other tennis news, Novak Djokovic also advanced to a final, reaching the championship match at the Hellenic Championship in his adopted home city of Athens. The Serbian star defeated German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-4 as he continues his quest for a historic 101st title.
