Cameron Norrie's torrid year continues after first-round Eastbourne exit in blow to Wimbledon preparations
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Updated 25/06/2024 at 14:02 GMT
Cameron Norrie's terrible sequence of results continued with a 7-6(9) 6-3 defeat to Emil Ruusuvuori. It serves as a huge blow to Norrie's Wimbledon preparations, with the former British No. 1 visibly frustrated following this defeat to the Finnish No. 1. Fellow Brits Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter are in action later on Tuesday.
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Cameron Norrie’s poor run of form continued after a sobering Eastbourne Open first-round exit at the hands of Emil Ruusuvuori.
The Finnish No. 1 powered his way into the second round following one hour and 37 minutes of play, ending Norrie's four-match unbeaten run in opening-round matches on the East Sussex coast.
It is the latest setback in a troubled start to 2024, with this defeat following on losses to Jack Pinnington Jones at Nottingham and Milos Raonic at Queen’s.
This win is a high-profile scalp for Ruusuvuori and boosts his inconsistent record on grass, having secured a 12th win in 25 matches on this surface.
There was absolutely nothing separating the two players in a very cagey opening set, and Norrie was left to rue two missed break point opportunities as the Finn claimed a hard-fought hold at 3-3.
An inevitable tie-break ensued that typified the keenly-contested nature of the opener, and Ruusuvuori eventually prevailed with an 11-9 victory.
Norrie sought a fast response, but squandered three break points in the third game as Ruusuvuori claimed a morale-sapping hold.
Norrie had that sinking feeling once again when he moved a set and a break down at 4-2, with the Finn moving ever closer to a memorable win.
He followed that up with a comfortable hold to 15 to leave Norrie serving to stay in the match, and managed just that to spark hope of a comeback.
However, it only prolonged the inevitable, with Ruusuvuori winning the contest after a first match point and a place in the second round.
Meanwhile, Liam Broady also bowed out in the first round with a straight-sets defeat to Yoshihito Nishioka.
He was beaten 6-3 6-4 in hour and 46 minutes, as the Japanese player set up a second-round clash with American Marcos Giron.
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