Can Norrie test Djokovic’s ‘vulnerability’?

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

How can someone like Novak Djokovic solve a problem?

Over the past 20 years, hundreds of players have self-asked themselves with the question, and many have never been able to respond.

Cameron Norrie is one of those people.

The 29-year-old Briton, who has lost all six of his previous encounters with the 24-time Grand Slam champion, will face off on Friday in their third-round US Open match.

Norrie, who is ranked 35th in the world, said, “The chances are getting better as the years go on, though not much.

“It’s crazy what he brings, and how competitive he is.” Every time I’ve played him, he alters his strategy and makes things difficult.

I’m prepared for anything, including him playing unreal, or him not playing well before he stops the match for something before playing well.

Djokovic needed medical attention for a blister on his toe during his first-round victory over Learner Tien, who looked shaky on his feet in humid conditions.

Seventh seed Djokovic showed signs of rustiness on Wednesday, dropping a set against American qualifier Zachary Svajda, who had not played for six weeks prior to the US Open.

Norrie is undoubtedly cautious, and it’s always risky to suggest Djokovic may be vulnerable.

However, if the former world number eight wants to end his losing streak against the Serb great, Norrie’s style of tennis, which attempts to make things physically and force Djokovic to lose, could be crucial.

Norrie, who won a four-set battle against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana on Wednesday, said, “I will have to beat him with physicality.”

He is the king of hardship, even though I saw the blister. He fights and maneuvers it.

Given that Djokovic is widely regarded as the best player in the sport’s history, lopsided head-to-head records are not uncommon against him.

Consider Gael Monfils. The 38-year-old French entertainer, a former world number six and one of the most accomplished shot-makers of his generation, has the worst head-to-head record in ATP Tour history against Djokovic, who lost to him at age 20.

Norrie, a down-to-earth person off the court, doesn’t seem to be preoccupied by his record-seeming shortcomings.

He made a vow to his team earlier this year when his career hit a snag, but he is now focusing on enjoying life on the tour.

Since then, he has advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals and the French Open fourth round, where he lost to Djokovic.

As he prepares to compete in the US Open for the longest time, he has spent time “watching” people in New York at regular dinners in the East Village neighborhood.

“It’s what has worked for me to focus on my enjoyment,” Norrie continued.