Cameron Norrie silences booing French Open crowd with ruthless win over Pouille

Cameron Norrie ended the romantic comeback story of home favourite Lucas Pouille in ruthless style at the French Open. The former French No.1 gave up the game last year to fight alcoholism and depression before coming through qualifying here.

But after the world No.675 became the lowest ranked man to win a match in a decade to win a match here, he was given a reality check by the British No.1.

Norrie raced to a 5-0 lead before winning the first set in only 24 minutes before going on to triumph 6-1 6-3 6-3 in one hour and 45 minutes and broke the Davis Cup winner seven times.

The No.14 seed hit the bearded Pouille at the net with a forehand in the third set. And the Frenchman complained bitterly that the ball had bounced twice before Norrie played a shot as he was broken to trail 1-3 in the decider.

Pouille told Greek chair umpire Eva Asderaki: “It’s crazy, it’s crazy. It’s your only job now except for saying the score.”

Norrie was booed by the French supporters but the Wimbledon semi-finalist did a good job of silencing the crowd – and the drummer and three trumpeters pumping up the volume in the Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc, now coach at Lyon, was in the stands.

Norrie had been forced into a five-set battle in the previous round against Benoit Paire. And in a match starting at 5.38pm local time, Norrie came out with his sunblock across his face like war paint ready for a battle.

But only briefly during the second set did the 2019 Australian Open semi-finalist make this match a contest.

From 0-2 down, he broke the Norrie serve for the only first to lead 3-2. Pouille shouted: “C’mon” and lifted arms to raise the crowd.

But the world No.14 then won the next four games and the set – and led 5-1 in the third set before the Frenchman broke again with a fine smash.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Norrie needed to save two break points and Pouille saved the first match point with an outrageous backhand drop shot.

But Norrie reached the third round here for the third consecutive year when the Frenchman hit an inside out forehand wide. The British No.1 was booed when he thanked the crowd at the end.

He will face the winner between Italian No.17 seed Lorenzo Musetti and Russian Alexander Shevchenko who play later.

In his post-match courtside interview with former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, Norrie said: “It is great to see Lucas back enjoying his tennis and qualifying and winning in the first round. I played him at the French Open five years ago. It was a tough battle today. It was tough to get over the line. There was a great atmosphere. Sorry to take another Frenchman out but hopefully you can support me in the next one.

“I feel great. There have been ups and downs this season. I have got a great team around me. We really want to do well in Grand Slams. This is a nice step. I definitely improved from the first round. I definitely enjoyed it more than against Benoit in the first round. I will get some rest and be ready to fight again on Friday.”

In his post-match courtside interview with former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, Norrie said: ‘It is great to see Lucas back enjoying his tennis and qualifying and winning in the first round. I played him at the French Open five years ago. It was a tough battle today. It was tough to get over the line. There was a great atmosphere. Sorry to take another Frenchman out but hopefully you can support me in the next one.
“I feel great. There have been ups and downs this season. I have got a great team around me. We really want to do well in Grand Slams. This is a nice step. I definitely improved from the first round. I definitely enjoyed it more than against Benoit in the first round. I will get some rest and be ready to fight again on Friday.”