Cameron Norrie arrived at Wimbledon one month ago still searching for the big result on the biggest stages that could garner the attention his results seemed to deserve. It is fair to say he succeeded.
As he prepares for the North American swing of hard-court tournaments from his training base in France, Norrie says the difference in how he has been received by the public since he reached his first grand slam semi-final has been palpable. Many more people are recognising him, congratulating him on his performances and appreciating his efforts.
“It was funny. You go down to get a coffee and the barista recognises you: ‘Oh, don’t worry about it, today, it is all right.’ I am like: ‘Mate, I can pay for it, it’s fine.’ He says: ‘Ah, don’t worry about it.’ I went to get my dry cleaning and they were like: ‘Ah, great Wimbledon. You know what? This time don’t worry about it.’ I am like: ‘Man, it’s fine, I can pay for it,’” Norrie said, laughing.
“A couple of times I went for breakfast and people asked for photos and congratulated me in a very nice way. It is cool that people were watching and following and supporting. It’s cool I was getting some recognition. With this Wimbledon, a lot more people know who I am now. It’s great for me.”
In the same breath, though, Norrie is clear. He may have broken new ground, but he asserts that nothing has changed, and such a result certainly hasn’t changed him. He is only further motivated to succeed. “The biggest thing is knowing I can do it at slams now,” he said.
After the physical and emotional efforts of reaching the Wimbledon semi-final, Norrie took a week off and laid low before going to France to begin preparations for the hardcourt swing. He spent time last week training with the world No 1 Daniil Medvedev, although he tactfully decided not to bring up Wimbledon’s decision to ban Medvedev and his compatriots in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Norrie will compete next in Los Cabos, Mexico, then Montreal and Cincinnati before the final grand slam tournament of the year at the US Open in New York.
Norrie will be back on home soil for the Davis Cup Finals group stages in Glasgow from 13-18 September, with tickets now on sale. The location has extra meaning for Norrie as his Scottish father, David, is a Rangers fan who grew up in the city.
Sign up to The Recap, our weekly email of editors’ picks.
“He actually took me to the exact road and little apartment he grew up in. The last time I played the Davis Cup there. So, it was pretty special to see that, to have that moment with him. Obviously I have not spent a massive amount of time there. I am looking forward to going back and they did a great job with the venue the last time we played there,” he said.
Having not been picked for numerous Davis Cup teams, Norrie is now the leader of the team as the British No 1. With a Wimbledon semi-final, a greater target on his back and increased attention, the stakes have only risen. His response is again clear: “I always try to hold myself accountable for everything,” he said. “I won’t change anything.
“I don’t feel any differently. My game is improving, which is exactly what I need to focus on.”
