Norrie Maintains Momentum Against Aragone In Delray Beach

Cameron Norrie dropped just three games against JC Aragone on Friday to make a strong start to the season at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com.

The 25-year-old British player settled quickly into the ‘lively’ conditions and was aggressive in taking his chances on the big points against Aragone, who was looking for his first ATP Tour win. Norrie saved all three of the break points he faced and won 84% of points behind his first serve en route to a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

“I knew that it would be tricky playing as the favourite and in these conditions,” Norrie said. “I served really well today, I really relied on that and I was pretty solid. I don’t think I missed too many balls. I didn’t really go for much, but I was able to relax a bit towards the end and play more aggressive. It’s playing pretty lively out here, so I’m just glad to get the win. It was not easy."

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The lefty was made to work from the start as Aragone pushed him in two lengthy games to open the match, but Norrie fought through to eventually break for a 3-1 lead. As Aragone felt the growing scoreboard pressure, Norrie eventually outlasted the American in a baseline battle. Aragone hit an error into the net to surrender the first set.

Norrie kept his foot firmly on the accelerator in the second set as he once again broke first, building up a 3-1 lead. He raised his level as the match wound to a close, claiming the next nine of 10 points to win after just 67 minutes on court.

Into the second round in Delray Beach, Norrie will take on third-seeded Adrian Mannarino in a battle between lefties.

Elsewhere, American qualifier Christian Harrison moved on after securing a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while countryman Bjorn Fratangelo also advanced with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Kevin King.

Ecuadorian qualifier Roberto Quiroz is also through after a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over wild card Noah Rubin, and Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan claimed his first victory of the season over Andrej Martin, 6-4, 6-4.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/3osDq2Z