College Star Norrie Makes Pro Breakthrough

This week’s $100,000 ATP Challenger Tour event in Aptos, California, has been full of upsets, but college tennis star Cameron Norrie has been the one to take full advantage of it.

The 20-year-old from Great Britain came through qualifying to reach his first ATP Challenger Tour final on Saturday, ousting American and fellow qualifier Eric Quigley, 3-6 6-2, 6-4. Norrie’s run is even more impressive because he had never reached a Challenger quarter-final prior to this week.

“It means a lot. It’s a lot of money and [Emirates ATP Rankings] points, but mainly it’s just about improving your game,” said Norrie. “I’ve always known that I can compete with these guys and it’s nice to have a result that proves that.”

Norrie peaked at No. 10 in the ITF Junior Rankings in 2013 before deciding to play college tennis at Texas Christian University. He compiled a 28-8 record this past season and established himself as one of the top college players in the U.S. But Norrie has also continued to play pro events when he can and has been competing all summer.

“When you’re around the pro guys, you’re going to start adapting to their game a little more,” said Norrie. “I’ve learned a lot from it. It’s a big difference from college matches because they have a little bit more time and focus on their game.”

Norrie is guaranteed to move to around No. 305 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on Monday, while a win will put him around No. 260. He admitted his current success means he may consider taking a semester off from college tennis in order to focus on the ATP Challenger Tour, but is making the most of his week in Aptos for now.

“This tournament has been great. I really like the organisation and they set me up with housing this week,” said Norrie. “I’m playing my best tennis now, so I just want to keep it going for one more match.”