ATP Tour: Cameron Norrie's Rio Open title defence comes to an end
![Cameron Norrie](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2Fa%2Falbert-ramos-cameron-norrie.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Qualifier Mariano Navone defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets in a gruelling semi-final of the Rio Open on Saturday.
Norrie struggled physically in the Brazilian heat as Navone, playing in his first ATP semi-final, pulled away to win 6-4 6-2.
The pair traded breaks in the opening two games, and then Navone, showing little fear in his first appearance on such a stage, got the break again to go 4-3 up.
Norrie saved break point three times in the next service game, but it was only a temporarily reprieve before Navone took the first set.
The pair traded further breaks at the start of the second set before another slog of a battle in the third game, which saw Norrie save four points on his serve before eventually succumbing.
That proved a turning point as Navone reeled off the next two games to take a commanding lead over a fading Norrie, whose resistance had been broken.
After falling 5-2 down, Norrie received treatment from the physio but got back on his feet to see the game out even though his fate was already sealed.
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