Cameron Norrie battled past arthur Cazaux in a thrilling three-set match at the Shanghai Masters, securing his first victory since the US Open in September.
The British number two had suffered consecutive defeats in Chengdu and beijing following his third-round exit at Flushing Meadows, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. This win marks NorrieS first at a masters 1000 event as his triumph on clay in Rome in May.
Norrie, the 30th seed and ranked 33rd in the world, overcame the world number 70 with a 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory in a contest lasting two hours. He initially dominated, securing two breaks to take the first set with only four unforced errors.
However, 23-year-old Cazaux responded emphatically, earning an early break in the second set and ultimately delivering a 6-0 set to Norrie – only the seventh bagel of the Briton’s career.
The third set saw a resurgence from Norrie, utilizing his serve to regain control against his younger opponent.Despite hot and humid conditions, neither player could break serve, forcing a tie-break. A crucial double fault from Cazaux on the third point of the tie-break proved decisive.
Having received a bye in the first round, Norrie will now face 19-year-old American Learner Tien in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.
