Cameron Norrie heaps praise on ‘big talent’ Jack Draper after Miami Open win
- Planet Sport writer
- 25 March 2022
Cameron Norrie booked his place in the third round of the Miami Open following a straight sets victory over compatriot Jack Draper.
Despite winning in two sets, Norrie was put under serious pressure in the early exchanges as Draper took a 5-2 lead.
Britain's number one showed his class as he levelled the set 6-6 before winning the following tiebreak 7-5.
The second set was far less strenuous for Norrie as he sealed his place in the next round with the 7-6 6-4 win.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, the current world number 12 praised his compatriot, saying: "I'm excited to see how he's going to do in the future. I think if he can play week in, week out he's going to have a very, very good career and I'm sure he can get easily top 10 for me."
Draper, who is 20 years old, has won three titles on the Challenger Tour this season as he powered his way into the world's top 150.
The youngster sealed his place in the second round of the Miami Open after beating veteran Gilles Simon for the 11th time in a row.
However, getting the better of Norrie proved a step too far, as Britain's number one continues his charge for silverware in Florida.
🇬🇧 @cam_norrie beats Jack Draper in the all-British contest in Miami 🇬🇧
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) March 25, 2022
Watch the @MiamiOpen live on Prime Video to UK & Ireland members now 📺 pic.twitter.com/bDBEjUYgvL
"It's not easy coming in against Jack," added Norrie. "He's such a big talent and hits the ball big on both sides.
"The court surprised me a little bit, it was very slow out here. I managed to play the bigger points a little bit better than he did and I think that was the difference in the end."
Norrie will take on either John Isner or Hugo Gaston in the third round of the tournament.
