The United Cup is just around the corner, but British tennis star Cameron Norrie is running out of time. Norrie will be representing Great Britain in the tournament. However, he might have to kick off the season barefoot since the airline lost his bag containing his shoes.
Norrie is currently in Australia to participate in the second edition of the tournament. He will team up with Katie Boulter, Dan Evans, and Francesca Jones in the mixed-team event. At the moment, Norrie’s participation hangs in the balance, as Qantas, the Australian airline, misplaced his luggage.
The British ace took to social media to request that Qantas return his bag before Christmas. He took a page out of Adrian Mannarino’s book when Air France lost his bag but got it back soon after.
Would be nice to have my tennis shoes for Xmas @Qantas please find my bag. QF10
— Cameron Norrie (@cam_norrie) December 25, 2023
The first edition of the United Cup was a memorable one. The United States, consisting of Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula, had won the silverware by defeating Italy.
Cameron Norrie also had an incredible tournament last year. Fans will hope to see the same intensity from Norrie and his team this time as well.
When Cameron Norrie stunned Rafael Nadal at the United Cup
Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of modern times. He has accumulated a number of trophies, including 22 Grand Slam titles. Nadal has always been one of the players to defeat at any tournament he has played in. Cameron did just that at the inaugural edition last year.
Nadal and Norrie had locked horns four times until their match at the Ken Rosewall Arena. The Spaniard had soundly thrashed Cameron in all their previous encounters. It was very different this time, as Cameron played the match of his life to stun Rafa.
Nadal started well, but he could not keep up the intensity, and Norrie snatched the match with both hands. Norrie fought back to take the second set and then dominated the Spaniard in the deciding set. The Brit won the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Cam can do ✌️@cam_norrie notches his biggest career win by ranking, 3-6 6-3 6-4 over World No.2 Rafael Nadal. #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/XmMFDr298F
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 31, 2022
Following the match, Norrie opened up about defeating Nadal and whether it was the best match of his career. “I think it was, especially on ranking and beating a guy like Rafa as the competitor that he is. I know it’s his first match of the year, but it was a sick win,” he said (via The Guardian).
Cameron Norrie will hope to replicate last year’s success at the United Cup once again. The tournament commences on December 29 and will be played until January 7th.