British star Cameron Norrie has been struggling on the court lately. Norrie has not been able to find his rhythm, and the hot and humid conditions in Rio did not help either. Moreover, when he played an underarm serve, the crowd booed him relentlessly.
Norrie took to the courts in Rio this year as the defending champion. He took on Carlos Alcaraz in the final last year and defeated him to claim the title for himself. This time around, the Brit ace made it to the semifinals by defeating Hugo Dellien, Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera, and Thiago Seyboth Wild en route.
Cameron took on Mariano Navone in the semifinal clash. Navone has enjoyed a spectacular run at the tournament so far. He eliminated Federico Coria, Yannick Hanfmann, and Joao Fonseca to make it to the semifinals. Navone seemed comfortable against Norrie, but the Brit angered the crowd with his underarm serve when the Argentine was leading.
Attempt an underarm serve in South America, get booed 🙈#RioOpen10Anos pic.twitter.com/HHseWNdqAW
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2024
Cameron struggled throughout the match, and Mariano outplayed him. When the 22-year-old was up 5-3 against Norrie in the first set, the Brit played an underarm serve.
This move ended up costing Norrie, as Navone struck a forehand winner. The fans cheered for Navone before they unleashed their wrath on Norrie. Even though an underarm serve is not against the rules of the game, fans still find it disrespectful.
Mariano Navone proved to be too good for Cameron Norrie, who not only struggled against the Argentine, but the heat did not help him either. Navone went on to defeat the defending champion 6-4, 6-2, to set up a final clash with Sebastian Baez.
Cameron Norrie struggled throughout the match
As the Argentine qualifier Navone knocked out Norrie, his dreams of making it to another final are over. Since defeating Alcaraz over a year ago, Norrie has not played in a single final.
Norrie lost his opening service game, and even though he broke back, it set the tone of the match. Navone broke him again before Cameron saved three break points when he was down 5-3. His efforts were not enough, as the qualifier went on to clinch the opening set.
The two players traded breaks in the second set. Cameron valiantly saved four break points at one point, but he eventually fell to Mariano.
First final feels 😄@RioOpenOficial | #RioOpen10Anos pic.twitter.com/Nu7mH2UR0C
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 25, 2024
Cameron Norrie will lick his wounds as Mariano is set to play his maiden ATP final against his compatriot, Baez. The two lock horns on February 25.