Cameron Norrie through to Wimbledon semi-finals after win against David Goffin
British number one Cameron Norrie kept hopes alive of a third home winner in the Wimbledon men’s singles in a decade after a dramatic five-set victory over David Goffin in the quarter-finals. The ninth seed twice recovered from a set down to claim a 3-6 7-5 2-6 6-3 7-5 victory, and become only the fourth British man in the Open era to reach the last four.
The tennis star clinched victory on his second match point, raising his arms aloft when Goffin netted a forehand after three hours and 28 minutes of intense play.
As his name was chanted around Court One, he seemed to be overcome with emotion.
“I’m speechless," he said. "So happy to get through with such a great team and such a great family.”
The 26-year-old had urged the crowd to get behind him before and during the match, and he said: “It wasn’t going my way from the beginning, I wasn’t feeling well and feeling the ball, that’s all credit to David."
He said it "was just adrenaline," and said he just concentrated on putting the ball in the court.
“I think just winning a match like this, straight flashbacks of all the hard work, all the pre-seasons and all the sacrifices I’ve had to make. It definitely pays off and it feels pretty good," he said.
The Duchess of Cambridge was among those cheering on Norrie, having first joined the audience with former British number one Tim Henman.
The royals posted a congratulatory message on Twitter, remarking: "What a match!"
Norrie now gets two days to recover ahead of his semi-final with Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for a fourth consecutive title on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference after the game, he said he is prepared for the extra attention that will come his way before the high-profile clash, which he believes will be a "tricky one".
“I think it’s obviously one of the toughest tasks in tennis," Norrie said.
"I’d say grass is his favourite surface and his record is unbelievable here at Wimbledon. It’s going to be tough."
He added: "All the hard work and the sacrifices and everything just kind of all hit me at once.
"Especially the situation, you know, here at Wimbledon in front of my family, my friends, and obviously a lot of people following that match. "Got emotional there, and, just a crazy day and crazy match to get through, especially with the way that it started. That’s the reason why you play the sport.”
Despite pressure already building for the game against Djokovic, Norrie can first enjoy a moment to rival many of Andy Murray’s great Wimbledon occasions.
Murray previously secured victory in 2013 and 2016.
The 26-year-old, who has a Welsh mother and a Scottish father, has become the home favourite as the last GB singles player in the tournament.
He enjoyed a rapid rise up the ATP rankings in recent years, but was still to make a real breakthrough at one of the sport's four major tournaments.
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