There is no player at Wimbledon who is more content than Cameron Norrie to be quietly chalking up win after win away from the spotlight. The last Briton to reach the semi-final at SW19, Norrie is yet to grace Centre Court this year but that will surely all change on Sunday following what was ultimately an emphatic straight sets defeat of Mattia Bellucci.
It means that Norrie, once again, is the last British man standing at Wimbledon and, after also reaching the fourth round of last month’s French Open, he has every chance of again progressing further on the Wimbledon grass.
Against an opponent with a bigger serve and more swashbuckling power, Norrie was at his indomitable best here in somehow winning a 68-minute marathon first set on a tie-break after frequently flirting with falling two breaks of serve down.
Relentless consistency is Norrie’s biggest strength but, as Bellucci gradually crumbled against an opponent who frequently resembled a rebound wall, his powers of placement, variety and retrieval became equally eye-catching. A double-handed backhand winner to set up set point in the first set tie-break completed one of the best rallies of the tournament and sparked a huge roar inside a patriotic Court One.
There was then a flash of brilliance to break serve in the third game of the third set when, having defended from a seemingly impossible position at the back of the court, Norrie stepped forward with another rasping winner.
The only brief let up came when Bellecci recovered from 5-1 down in the third set to 5-3 before Norrie broke back again to seal his 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 triumph. A very winnable last 16 match against Nicolas Jarry or Joao Fonseca now stands between Norrie, whose ranking is down to 61 from a career high eighth in 2022, and the quarter-final.
More to follow…
05:48 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Cameron Norrie’s victory over Mattia Bellucci to an end, as the Briton won in straight sets to progress through into the fourth round. Thanks for joining us!
05:45 PM BST
Norrie hopes for Court One in round four
On his love for Court One, he said: “When I saw the schedule I was really happy and hopefully I can play my next match on here, I don’t know.
“Hopefully I can play all my matches here and we’ll see. It was good fun.”
05:43 PM BST
‘I started over-confident’ – Norrie reflects on difficult opening to match
On turning things around in the first set after an early break, he said: “I was hitting the ball really well and I think I started a little bit over-confident and going for too much. He started great.
“I hung in there, played a couple of tough games and definitely stole that first set. I think that was even better for me, to start a little bit slow and for him to have a few chances and to play a really good tie-break again.
“I was just playing point for point and he was a little bit up and down with his tennis and I just tried to stay as solid as I could. Just tried to ride the waves and weather the storm when I needed to.
“But to be honest, it was a lot of fun, another battle and I’m just happy to be through. Such a good match.”
05:36 PM BST
‘It was a big factor’ – Norrie thanks fans for noise in ‘big moments’
On the reaction from the crowd, Norrie has said on court: “Honestly, you guys were amazing today. In every single big moment you were loud and changed the momentum.
“It was a big factor in the match so I’ve got to thank you guys for that. It was amazing.”
On being the last male Briton in the tournament and making it to the fourth round for a second time, he said: “I honesty don’t really care about that too much, I was just enjoying my tennis on Court One, it was so fun.
“I was just hitting the ball, playing point for point and the atmosphere was amazing. I was so happy to be back on this court. I was just enjoying my tennis. And apparently I’m last Brit standing so I’ll take it.”
05:30 PM BST
Up next
Norrie will now face either Nicolas Jarry or teenage talent Joao Fonseca in the fourth round.
Reaction from the British No 3 to follow…
05:26 PM BST
Norrie wins it!
Can Norrie respond? There will be a bit of pressure on his serve if he can’t make the break here.
The Briton takes the lead as Bellucci’s ground-stroke goes long but the scores are levelled as Norrie fails to make the return of serve.
A forehand winner from Bellucci gives him a 30-15 lead and, after the Italian called a let on himself, he makes it 40-15 with Norrie finding the net.
Bellucci sends a wild forehand wide to give Norrie a glimmer of hope in this game and the Briton does take it to deuce with his opponent making a mess of things at the net.
A crushing forehand winner makes it advantage Bellucci but another mis-hit ground-stroke brings it back to deuce.
The Italian then whips a forehand into the net, setting up a match point for Norrie. And he’s done it! Bellucci sends a backhand long and Norrie wins it in straight sets.
05:20 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 3-5 Norrie*
After a really impressive performance so far, Norrie is now serving for the match, looking to book his place in the fourth round.
A backhand slice from the Briton clips the top of the net, making it 0-15, and he falls further behind as his forehand finds the net following some heavy hitting from his opponent.
A wayward forehand from the Briton sets up three break points for his opponent. The first one is saved as Bellucci’s return of serve goes slightly long.
But a scruffy forehand from Norrie goes way beyond the baseline and the break is there!
05:15 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 2-5 Norrie
Can Norrie wrap things up here as Bellucci serves to stay in the match? The Italian goes 15-0 up as Norrie’s ground-stroke clips the net but he follows it up with a double-fault.
The Briton pushes his return of serve slightly long but his opponent then drags a tired backhand into the net, making it 30-30.
Bellucci restores his lead as he makes the volley from Norrie’s attempted passing shot and does secure the hold as the Briton’s next return of serve goes long.
05:12 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-5 Norrie*
A mis-hit forehand from Norrie makes it 0-15 but he buries a forehand winner after a big serve out wide to level the scores.
Bellucci drags a backhand wide of the mark and Norrie eventually makes it 40-15 as the Italian’s defensive shot drifts long.
The Briton has won 18 of the last 21 points. The hold is secured as Bellucci’s return of serve goes a long, long way out.
05:09 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-4 Norrie
Some heavy hitting from Norrie brings about the error from Bellucci, as his slice drifts long of the baseline.
The Italian then pummels a backhand beyond the baseline and he is just losing his way now, directing some angry words towards his box. 0-30 Norrie.
It’s going from bad to worse for the 24-year-old as he sends a routine backhand way beyond the baseline.
A beautifully controlled volley from Norrie at the net, with the ball at his feet, secures the double-break. Great touch from the Briton.
05:05 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-3 Norrie*
Norrie will be hoping he can just keep things solid on his serve now to reach the line. He takes the lead in this next game, reacting well to volley home after Bellucci’s forehand clipped the net and bounced up.
A big serve the Briton make it 30-0 before Bellucci sends one into the net to fall 40-0 behind.
Another tired ground-stroke finds the net from the Italian and it’s a comfortable hold to love for Norrie.
05:02 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-2 Norrie
Bellucci whips a forehand out wide and Norrie can only bounce his return into the net but the scores are levelled as the Italian finds the net himself. 15 each.
The Italian whips another forehand into the corner that Norrie can’t even get close to this time, but catches the net once more with a forehand during the next point, making it 30-30.
A very untimely double-fault brings about another Norrie break point. His opponent hangs his head.
And it’s sensational from Norrie! The Briton hangs in the point with some great defence, before going for the lob. Bellucci just about reaches it to make the smash but Norrie is able to make the forehand pass.
A very big moment in this match.
04:58 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-1 Norrie*
Bellucci pushes his first return of serve wide before Norrie makes a mess of his drop-shot at the net, making it 15-15.
The Briton recovers well with an ace down the middle and backs it up with a big serve out wide that is sent long by Bellucci.
Another excellent serve from Norrie down the middle is returned long and it turns out to be a routine hold for the 29-year-old.
04:56 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 1-0 Norrie
Has Bellucci got an answer? We will soon find out with the Italian serving to start this third set.
A backhand slice into the net is not the ideal start for Belllucci but he recovers well with a 95mph forehand winner.
It’s followed by a double-fault, though, and Norrie goes so close to setting up two break points but his ground-stroke catches the top of the net and just about drops on his side of the court. 30-30.
Norrie does now get a break point as Bellucci’s forehand goes long but it’s squandered as he crashes a backhand into the net.
A big serve makes it advantage Bellucci and the hold is secured as Norrie’s return of serve finds the net.
04:54 PM BST
Long way back for Bellucci
Losing the first after so frequently holding a commanding lead did indeed leave a scar on Mattia Bellucci. He began the second set with two double faults in immediately having his serve broken and, while Cameron Norrie himself remained far from secure on serve, he was always just about in control thereafter to prevail 6-4.
Now two sets up in what has been more a war of attrition than power or technique. It all looks a very long way back now for Bellucci.
04:50 PM BST
Norrie seals second set
With two breaks to Bellucci’s one in this set, Norrie is now looking to serve it out. Can he hold his nerve?
A strong backhand down the line with great depth brings about the error from Bellucci but the Italian produces a thunderous forehand winner to level the game at 15-15.
Norrie then pushes a forehand long beyond the baseline, so a bit of pressure on the Briton now.
Bellucci drags a forehand wide of the mark, though, before a massive serve out wide from Norrie swings the game in his favour, creating the set point.
But it’s not taken, with the British No 3 whipping a forehand just wide, so we go to deuce.
Norrie then buries a backhand to earn a second set point and he seals the deal with an ace!
04:44 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 4-5 Norrie
Like the first set, Bellucci finds himself serving to stay in it, but he starts the game well, with a forehand winner making it 15-0 before pulling out an ace to make it 30-0.
Norrie’s next return of serve is into the net, and the following one is well, well wide. So, two successive holds to love.
04:42 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 3-5 Norrie*
A wayward forehand from Bellucci makes it 15-0 and Norrie doubles his lead in this game, sending a backhand winner behind Bellucci as he ran in the opposite direction.
Norrie makes it 40-0 with an ace out wide and seals a really comfortable hold to love as Bellucci pushes his forehand return of serve beyond the baseline.
04:39 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 3-4 Norrie
A superb serve and forehand winner combination from Bellucci gives him a 15-0 lead but it’s followed by a double-fault.
The Italian pulls off a delicate disguised drop-shot to make it 30-15 but a lengthy ground-stroke brings the score in this game back level.
A really lengthy rally of backhand ground-strokes ends with Bellucci playing a tired volley into the net, giving Norrie a break point.
And the Brit takes it, producing a solid return that forces Bellucci to find the net.
04:34 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 3-3 Norrie*
Norrie has to just stop the momentum of his opponent here and it starts well with a big serve forcing the long return from Bellucci.
The Briton goes 30-0 up with an excellent forehand winner deep into the corner, before going to the brink of this game as Bellucci returns into the net.
The Italian looks to let rip with the forehand but catches the tape of the net and that’s more like it again from Norrie.
04:31 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 3-2 Norrie
Norrie sends his first couple of returns long and Bellucci is looking really pumped now having looked completely deflated five minutes ago.
Norrie’s next return of serve finds the net and the hold is sealed in no time as he sends another one long.
04:29 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 2-2 Norrie*
Bellucci sends a ground-stroke long to fall behind before Norrie guides a volley into the corner to make it 30-0.
The Briton is really firing now and hammers a backhand into the corner which Bellucci can only send into the net.
The live-blogger’s curse strikes again, though, as Norrie double-faults before catching the net with a backhand.
And it’s brought back to deuce as Bellucci gets on top of the net point thanks to a deep return, before forcing the error from Norrie.
A sublime cross-court forehand from Bellucci to finish an 18-stroke rally sets up a break point. But a timely big serve from the Briton forces the long return from Bellucci.
A forehand winner earns him another break point, though, and this time it’s there with a magnificent passing backhand.
A break from nowhere from Bellucci.
04:21 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 1-2 Norrie
Norrie fails to make the return of serve to fall 15-0 behind but then finds great depth with his forehand ground-strokes to force the mistake from Bellucci.
A weak backhand from the Briton makes it 30-15 but an equally sloppy ground-stroke from Bellucci levels the scores once more.
It’s better from the 24-year-old Italian as he pummels a forehand into the corner to set up the volleyed forehand winner.
A big serve down the middle is returned into the net by Norrie and it’s an important hold from Bellucci.
04:18 PM BST
Bellucci 6-7 (5-7), 0-2 Norrie*
Norrie catches the net with a backhand at the start of his next service game but draws level as his smash from deep is unreturned by Bellucci.
A strong serve out wide sets up the sweetly-struck forehand winner before another big serve from Norrie sees him make it 40-15.
Bellucci lashes a forehand wide and it’s a comfortable hold for the Briton.
04:15 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-7 (5-7), 0-1 Norrie
It’s Bellucci to serve at the start of this second set and he falls behind with a long ground-stroke but goes level with a winner into the corner from close to the net.
The Italian takes a 30-15 lead as Norrie reads the cross-court backhand but fails to make the backhand down the line, catching the top of the net.
Norrie goes level with a well-taken forehand winner and establishes an early break point, with Bellucci finding the net after the Briton’s ground-stroke checked off the line.
A big serve out wide from the Italian is unreturned and he lets out a huge cheer, before delivering an ace to take the advantage.
But a double-fault follows, with a 133mph second serve attempt. Another double-fault gifts Norrie another break point.
And this time it’s there as the Italian hoists a backhand deep beyond the baseline. A big moment for Norrie early in this second set.
04:09 PM BST
Norrie takes marathon opening set
A marathon 68 minute first set that absolutely summed up Cameron Norrie’s biggest qualities. He started by losing the first game on serve to love before surviving six further break points during a constant struggle to avoid a double break. But he then fashioned a break back in the eighth game before holding his nerve in a see-saw tie-break. The double-handed backhand winner to set up set point completed one of the best rallies of the tournament and sparked a huge roar inside a patriotic Court One.
Norrie is not a player who overpowers opponents, even while at his best, but who grinds them down with his variety and brilliant powers of retrieval. This felt like a real steal and it will be fascinating to see how his Italian opponent Mattia Bellucci, who is younger by some six years, now reacts.
04:05 PM BST
Norrie takes first set tie-break
Norrie can’t quite get enough whip on his attempted forehand winner, meaning it goes just wide of the mark, so Bellucci holds his two service points.
But the Italian goes long with a ground-stroke on the next point, making it 5-3 to Norrie.
Norrie becomes isolated at the net during the next point, though, and while he reads the passing shot, he can’t guide his volley into the corner, so we are back on serve in this tie-break.
Norrie’s return of serve drifts long, making it 5-5, but he earns the first set point with a simply sensational passing backhand down the line, having been right on the back foot in the longest rally of the match.
A mis-hit from the Italian and Norrie takes the first set. Incredible effort from the British No 3 and a big blow for his opponent.
04:00 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-6 (2-4) Norrie
It’s Norrie to serve first in the tie-break and he takes the first point with a sublime passing backhand with Bellucci at the net.
A rushed backhand from the Italian catches the net and Norrie has the early mini-break. 2-0 to the Briton.
A return of serve goes long from Norrie and Bellucci has a point on the board.
Norrie hammers a cross-court backhand into the corner and Bellucci can’t quite do enough to make the return, making it 3-1 to the British No 3.
Bellucci drags a forehand into the net and Norrie has a three-point cushion now. Can he put the pressure on his opponent’s serve now?
Not on the first attempt, sending the return of serve long. So it’s 4-2 Norrie at the first change of ends.
03:55 PM BST
Bellucci* 6-6 Norrie
Once again, Bellucci is serving to stay in this opening set. Can Norrie force the break or will it be a tie-break to start this match?
The Italian goes long with a ground-stroke to fall behind but whips a lovely forehand winner behind Norrie to level it at 15-15.
An ace out wide makes it 30-15 before Norrie sends a forehand into the net while on the back foot.
A double-fault from the Italian gives Norrie a glimmer of hope in this game before he sends backhand long after the longest rally of the match to take it to deuce.
Norrie does well to stay in the next point for as long as he does but eventually sends a forehand long on the stretch.
Bellucci then catches the line with a backhand to take this opening set to a tie-break!
03:49 PM BST
Bellucci 5-6 Norrie*
Bellucci wraps a backhand into the net, before sending a ground-stoke long while on the stretch to fall 30-0 behind.
An ace right down the middle from Norrie makes it 40-0.
What a strange point. Norrie sends a serve well out wide, Bellucci produces a fierce forehand return and Norrie just lets it hit his racket at his feet, with the ball just stopping dead.
But it won’t matter as Bellucci goes long, sealing another hold for the Briton.
03:46 PM BST
Bellucci* 5-5 Norrie
After being 4-2 up, Bellucci finds himself 5-4 down and serving to stay in this opening set. He seems to have lost his way slightly in the last few games, sending another forehand long to go 0-15 down.
But a powerful serve sets up the easy winner to make it 15-15 and he takes the lead in this game with an ace down the middle.
A sensational forehand return from Norrie, taken really early, makes it 30-30 but the Briton pushes his backhand return on the next point slightly beyond the baseline.
An ace wraps up the game for Bellucci.
03:42 PM BST
Bellucci 4-5 Norrie*
Bellucci pushes a ground-stroke long and all the momentum is with Norrie now, at a crucial time in this opening set.
The Briton, sends a forehand long, though, and then drags a backhand wide, making it 15-30.
That momentum I was talking about seems to have vanished as Norrie whips a forehand into the net, presenting another two break points.
Norrie goes for a drink before the next point and it seems to have helped as his serve forces the error from Bellucci.
The second break point is saved as Norrie comes out on top of an exchange of forehands. Deuce it is.
An ace down the middle from the British No 3 gives him the advantage and he seals the game with a smash at the net to finish off a nicely constructed point.
03:36 PM BST
Bellucci* 4-4 Norrie
Can Norrie make an impact on Bellucci’s serve? After blowing three break points in the Italian’s first service game, he hasn’t laid a glove.
A double-fault gives the Briton an early lead in this game and he makes it 0-30 as Bellucci finds the net.
The Italian drags a forehand wide and suddenly Norrie has three more break points. Can the 29-year-old capitalise this time?
He certainly can as Bellucci’s forehand doesn’t go close to making it over the net.
03:33 PM BST
Bellucci 4-3 Norrie*
Bellucci gets on top of the first point of Norrie’s next service game, sending the Briton out wide and forcing the error.
The 24-year-old whips a forehand into the net, though, making it 15-15. But a thunderous forehand winner from the Italian restores his lead.
Norrie produces a timely big serve, which Bellucci fails to return, and the Briton lands an effective one-two serve and winner on the next point to make it 40-30.
He follows it up with a double-fault, though, so it goes to deuce once again on his serve.
Bellucci crushes a cross-court forehand winner into the corner to earn another break point but he can’t take it as his return of serve goes long. Norrie lets out a cry of “come on”.
As he does once more following an identical point to give him the advantage. Make it three shouts of “come on” following another long return of serve. He stays in touch.
03:27 PM BST
Bellucci* 4-2 Norrie
Bellucci kicks off the next game with an ace out wide and makes it 30-0 as Norrie’s forehand finds the net.
Another ace from the Italian makes it 40-0, this one reaching 132mph.
Norrie drags his backhand return of serve wide on the next point, so another simple hold for his opponent.
03:25 PM BST
Bellucci 3-2 Norrie*
An unforced error from Norrie sees him fall 0-15 behind once again, but he goes level as Bellucci sends a backhand wide.
The Italian gets fortunate as his forehand catches the top of the net and dribbles over, making it 15-30.
But Norrie responds with a big serve that can only be sent long by Bellucci, who gets his drop-shot wrong on the next point. 40-30 Norrie.
It goes to deuce again on the Norrie serve, though, as he sends a ground-stroke beyond the baseline.
A powerful forehand winner gives the Briton the advantage but a sloppy forehand during the next rally makes it deuce once more.
Bellucci finds the net during the next point and Norrie seals another tricky hold with an ace down the middle.
03:19 PM BST
Bellucci* 3-1 Norrie
A big serve down the middle from Bellucci is unreturned, giving him a 15-0 lead at the start of this fourth game.
Norrie drags his forehand return wide on the next point and floats a backhand long after that, making it 40-0 to the Italian.
Another wayward return of serve from the British No 3 and it’s a comfortable hold to love for Bellucci.
03:16 PM BST
Bellucci 2-1 Norrie*
Norrie hasn’t settled on his serve yet and a couple of wayward ground-strokes give Bellucci another 0-30 lead.
The Briton catches the top of the net with a backhand, presenting three more break points to his opponent. He is yet to win a point on his own serve.
He has now… a smashed winner at the net makes it 15-40 before he catches the line with his next serve to make it 30-40.
Bellucci goes for the backhand winner down the line but misses by the smallest of margins and Norrie has saved the break points.
The Briton then gains the advantage with a terrific passing forehand. Wow, Norrie sends a serve out wide but Bellucci hammers a 103mph forehand return around the net post and it catches the line. Back to deuce.
The Italian pushes a ground-stroke long, though, before catching the net with his next return of serve, so Norrie secures an important hold.
03:10 PM BST
Bellucci* 2-0 Norrie
What a funny start to the match this is, Bellucci sends a couple of ground-strokes wayward, meaning neither player is yet to win a point on their serve. It’s 0-30 to Norrie.
The pattern continues as the Italian drags a forehand wide following a lengthier exchange between the pair. Three break points now for Norrie.
The first one is squandered as the Briton drags his return of serve wide of the mark and it’s back to 30-40 as Bellucci hammers a backhand down the line and into the corner.
Bellucci brings it back to deuce with a tidy drop-shot and the three break points are saved. A big serve down the middle gives him the advantage in this game.
A powerful return from Norrie can only be skewed into the air by Bellucci, so back to deuce. The Italian pushes a ground-stroke long during the next rally, meaning Norrie has a fourth break point in this game.
The Briton has the game at his mercy but Bellucci reads the passing shot at the net. Deuce once again.
A serve and volley makes it advantage Bellucci and the Italian seals a big, big hold with a powerful serve that catches the line.
03:01 PM BST
Bellucci 1-0 Norrie* (*denotes server)
The first point is a lengthy one and it ends with Norrie sending a backhand into the net. The Briton is under early pressure now, dragging a forehand wide to make it 0-30.
And Bellucci has three break points at the start of this match as his drop-shot catches Norrie out, with the Briton only able to scoop his effort into the net.
The break is there as Norrie pushes a forehand wide. A nightmare start for the British No 3.
02:58 PM BST
Here we go!
The warm-ups are over and the players are ready! It’s Norrie to serve first.
02:57 PM BST
Norrie’s route to third round
Norrie is into the third round at SW19 for the fourth time in the last five years, thanks to one of the best performances of his career on Wednesday, knocking out 12th seed Frances Tiafoe.
The 29-year-old lost the opening set, but turned the match around to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5, having also won his opening match in four sets, beating Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in the sweltering heat on Monday.
02:53 PM BST
Warm-ups underway
Cam Norrie has just lead Mattia Bellucci out onto Court One. The warm-ups are underway and the match will be getting up and running shortly!
02:49 PM BST
At stake for the winner
The winner of this afternoon’s clash will be rewarded with a fourth-round clash against either Nicolas Jarry or teenage talent Joao Fonseca.
02:45 PM BST
Three Britons remain
After 23 British singles players qualified for this year’s Wimbledon, only three remain.
Cameron Norrie is the only male player left in the competition, while Emma Raducanu is through to the third round, where she will take on world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
But it’s Sonay Kartal who has just qualified for the fourth round, beating Diane Parry on Court one.
02:41 PM BST
Seeds dropping out
A record 36 seeded players were knocked out of the tournament by the end of the second round – surpassing the record number of 35 at this stage of the 2020 French Open.
Four of the top 10 male seeds were knocked out of the tournament in the opening round, with Alexander Zverev (3), Lorenzo Musetti (7), Holger Rune (8) and Daniil Medvedev (9) all suffering surprise defeats.
Jack Draper (4) made it five yesterday, losing in four sets to Marin Cilic.
In terms of Norrie’s side of the draw, only Carlos Alcaraz (2) and Taylor Fritz (5) remain from the top 10 seeds.
02:35 PM BST
Likely path to the final
Based on rankings, the likely route to the final for the two players this afternoon would be:
- R4: Nicolas Jarry
- QF: Carlos Alcaraz (2)
- SF: Taylor Fritz (5)
- F: Jannik Sinner (1)
Pretty straightforward then…
02:33 PM BST
Kartal beats Parry
Britain’s Sonay Kartal has just beaten Diane Parry in straight-sets on Court One to progress into round four for the first time.
It’s an incredible result for the British No 3, and means Norrie will be getting underway shortly!
02:28 PM BST
Norrie flying flag for Britain in third round
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the third round at Wimbledon as Britain’s Cameron Norrie takes on Mattia Bellucci on Court One.
Norrie is into the third round at SW19 for the fourth time in the last five years, thanks to one of the best performances of his career on Wednesday, knocking out 12th seed Frances Tiafoe. The 29-year-old lost the opening set, but turned the match around to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5, having also won his opening match in four sets, beating Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in the sweltering heat on Monday.
Norrie is looking to recreate his form from 2022, which saw him reach the semi-finals, but he is now ranked 61st in the world, having been the ninth seed at the tournament three years ago. However, the British No 3 thinks the drop in rankings could come to his benefit. “I think it’s a good thing to go through being injured, not winning, then having resilience to back yourself,” he said after beating Tiafoe.
Norrie is the only male British singles player to have made it to the third round following Jack Draper’s shock exit on Thursday. It’s a run which few could have predicted following his first-round defeats at Queen’s and Eastbourne in the build-up to Wimbledon.
The Briton comes up against Mattia Bellucci of Italy, who has impressed so far this week, coming through in straight sets against Queen’s Club finalist and 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka on Wednesday following his victory over Britain’s Oliver Crawford in the opening round.
The 24-year-old has already enjoyed his most successful major tournament this week, with his previous best run coming at last year’s US Open, where he reached the second round. He has since failed to qualify for the Australian Open before falling at the first hurdle at Roland Garros.
The winner of this afternoon’s clash will be rewarded with a fourth-round clash against either Nicolas Jarry or teenage talent Joao Fonseca.
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