Djokovic ends Norrie’s run to advance in Paris

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

Cameron Norrie’s encouraging French Open run was ended by Novak Djokovic’s straight-set triumph over the Briton, which put them into the quarter-finals.

Djokovic defeated Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the quest for a stand-alone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

After defeating 11th seed Daniil Medvedev in the opening round, Norrie, who is now playing in the last 16 at Roland Garros for the first time, was hoping to win another title in Paris.

However, the 81-year-old world champion never appeared to have the potential to upset the great, who is now 38.

It would have put more pressure on the Serb if Norrie had taken his chances, especially in a second set where he led by a break.

In some situations, I was “a little flat,” according to Norrie.

Novak continues to be unmissable when it comes to missing tennis balls, which is unfortunate.

Alexander Zverev, who defeated the German in the Australian Open semi-finals in January after suffering a hamstring injury, will face sixth seed Djokovic next.

Norrie described his level as comparable to that of the top ten player in 2022 when he claimed some of his best tennis before the French Open.

He proved to be correct when he raised some questions.

The stage was set for a memorable five-set victory over former world number one Medvedev, who was replaced by fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley and Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez.

It was entirely different to confront Djokovic.

The three-time French Open champion had lost all five of Norrie’s previous encounters, including a three-set defeat at the Geneva Open ten days earlier.

The British number three struggled to maintain an early break in the second set after Djokovic needed medical attention for foot blisters.

Crucially, Norrie was unable to create more chances, with Djokovic saving break points in lengthy service matches of 2-2 and 3-3.

The former world number one then won the final set before breaking early and reeling off five games in a row.

Norrie described it as “a really enjoyable” clay-court swing despite being unable to stop his miserable run against Djokovic.

After a difficult couple of years of battling form and fitness, he was on the verge of dropping out of the top 100.

However, when Norrie resumes his grass-court season in the UK, he will now move up to the top 60.

He said, “I played 20 clay-court matches, and I think that’s a lot.”