Accept it or be eaten alive – Cameron Norrie wants to enjoy life in the spotlight

coffee run Andy Murray helped Cameron Norrie Accept the expectations and responsibilities that come with being the top tennis player in this country.

“During the Davis Cup in Glasgow last year, I was walking with Andy for coffee and every day 30 or 40 people stopped him to take pictures. But he was very patient. He took time out for everyone,” Norrie told PA.

“When I saw him do that, I was like, ‘Wow.’ I thought.”

Norrie remains in the shadow of Murray in terms of public profile despite being Britain’s leading figure since October 2021, but he Wimbledon semifinals last summer.

The 27-year-old was the first Wimbledon player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam, and a player who had previously been clearly under the radar quickly gained widespread recognition.

“As the tournament progressed, people started recognizing me more and more,” he recalls.

“I was staying in Putney’s apartment. I used to go to the coffee shop next door every day and they didn’t know I was a tennis player. We thought you were just a random club player.”

“And obviously as I was walking around, more people started asking for pictures. There are a lot of people in London who are more famous than I am, so it wasn’t crazy, but it was cool.”

“I always take the time to take pictures with people and ask if they’re interested in playing tennis. I was one of those kids who always asked for pictures and sweatbands, so if it’s a young kid, really I love it, so I’m really excited to see if I can make a positive impact on them.”

Norrie had an early chance to draw and made the most of it, but the run was certainly not without its challenges.

He beat Jaume Munard in the second round and came from a 2-1 deficit to beat David Goffin in the quarterfinals, meanwhile winning straight sets against Americans Steve Johnson and Tommy Paul.

“My match with Tommy Paul was perfect,” he says. “We both played at a very high level. It was probably the best game of the year and it was a perfect day.

“The fight with Goffin was just so special. There were so many emotions after the fight. Prince William was watching. It was a very crazy fight, he was down most of the time. What can I say at the end? I barely knew what to do, it was just too much for me.

“It was a lot of fun to be able to deep run with friends and family watching over me. It was a great time.”

Norrie can’t imitate Murray by reaching the final when he wins the first set against Novak Djokovic, and the top-seeded Djokovic fights back decisively to win in four sets. It gave me hope.

This run showed all that Norry has exceeded most people’s expectations (if not his own) by establishing himself in the top 15 in the world.

He doesn’t have a big weapon, but instead crushes opponents with his high-spin forehand and compact, flat backhand, and prides himself on his hunger for relentless hard work on and off the court.

A grueling five-set fight in which physical and mental prowess are key factors is Nollie’s most comfortable match.

“Once you turn on a player, it’s pretty hard to shake off,” he says with a laugh.

Norrie’s reserved and easy-going personality is encapsulated in his avoidance of a tournament trip last year to cycle from Putney’s apartment to Wimbledon.

He moved to Monte Carlo this year to join a number of top players and “they’re good guys to train with, the weather is good and of course the taxes,” he explains, but he’s an All England player. Closer to the club.

So Norrie, recently announced as an ambassador for the luxury car brand, won’t need a new Lexus RZ 450e for the next two weeks.

Driving an electric car is one of the steps Norrie is taking to reduce her environmental impact.

“I’m doing my best and doing little by little,” said the world number 13. He is an avid supporter of the ATP’s Carbon Tracker app, which aims to encourage greener travel on tour.

“Obviously, as tennis players we travel a lot, so it’s not ideal. We try to take as many trains as possible. I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I hope it’s positive in the long run.”

One factor that limits Norrie’s travels is the fact that his parents emigrated from New Zealand. Englishman The first grew up and went to London.

Norrie enjoys spending more time as a family, especially with her dog. Lulu And Peggy is there to help you relax off the court.

“It was really good,” he said. “When they were visiting, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with them, but now that they are around, I can have a barbecue and check on the dogs without worrying about them. We can see it and spend time together.” I’m leaving soon. ”

Norrie’s father, David, is Glaswegian and one of his son’s biggest supporters, enjoying the summer on the grass courts in England.

“My father is very excited,” says Norrie. “He’s been watching tennis all the time. He’s been to the[Wimbledon]qualifiers, he’s been to Surbiton, he’s seen all the other British players. He’s in heaven. He knows how everyone is.

“He joined a local club. Both my parents were good squash players, so I don’t have traditional technique at the moment.

“My father is good at slicing his backhand and kick serve, but his forehand is his weak point. I can’t help you.”

Norrie has spent the last few weeks honing his forehand on the turf to reach the quarter-finals at Queen’s Club and will return to form at Wimbledon after a dominating few months on clay. and

Whatever happens, the 27-year-old is determined to enjoy the pressures and expectations that come with his position.

“This is exactly where I want to be, and if I want to be better, I’ll have to get used to it,” he says.

“If you don’t accept it all, it will eat you alive. All I ask of myself is to do my best. Play at Wimbledon, play in front of your home crowd. You only have the experience of doing it once a year, so you have to go out and enjoy it.”