British tennis star Cameron Norrie is set to undergo a scan in London for a rib injury that forced him to withdraw from the French Open, but remains optimistic about his Wimbledon prospects. The 30-year-old British number one retired mid-match during his opening round at Roland Garros, only the second such instance in his professional career.
Norrie had previously disclosed he was struggling with an inflamed joint in his rib ahead of the tournament. He ultimately pulled out after 78 minutes, trailing Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 7-6 (7) 2-0. This marks a rare occurrence for Norrie, whose only other mid-match retirement came 12 years ago on the Futures Tour.
“It’s a tough feeling right now,” Norrie said. “I thought I would be ready but it was obviously too soon. I think I was just a little bit mentally tired, not having the ability mentally to put the pain away and just play point for point.” He added, “I know I’m playing so well, so that was even more frustrating, and even at 20 per cent today I was able to compete with the guy.”
Norrie, the 20th seed, had a favourable draw and reached the fourth round in Paris last year. However, he was only able to practice for the first time on Sunday and began to look increasingly uncomfortable as the contest wore on. He should have won the first set having led 5-1 in the tie-break and with four set points, but could not take any of them.
With the grass season only a week away, Norrie was concerned about risking a longer absence. He will get the injury checked in London on Wednesday and admitted he may not make the ATP event in the Netherlands beginning on June 8, but is confident of playing in the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club the following week. “That will be my goal,” said Norrie. “And I’m really excited to go play.”
