‘I think I deserve a diploma’ – Norrie stuns Medvedev

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Britain’s Cameron Norrie

Britain’s Cameron Norrie claimed one of his best victories of the year with a five-set triumph over world number 11 Daniil Medvedev in a see-saw French Open first-round match.

Norrie had not beaten a top-20 player since January 2024 and had lost all four of his previous matches against Medvedev – including a meeting in Rome earlier in May.

The world number 81 started superbly but had to withstand a Medvedev fightback, with the Russian frequently switching from irate to dialled in as he forced a fifth set.

Norrie then battled back from a break down in the decider to win 7-5 6-3 4-6 1-6 7-5 in just under four hours.

Medvedev served for the match at 5-4 in the fifth but could not hold off Norrie, who then won three games in a row to seal victory.

Norrie had also recovered from a break down in the opener and kept his cool as Medvedev ranted at his box throughout the first two sets.

Norrie launched his racquet into the air in celebration after a long Medvedev forehand confirmed his victory. “There wasn’t a lot on my mind on match point,” Norrie, 29, said.

“I felt that he was a little tentative but honestly, it was a crazy match.

“I think I deserve a diploma for beating Medvedev because he’s beaten me the last four times. It was an unreal match.”

The Briton will face Argentine lucky loser Federico Gomez for a place in the third round.