Cam Norrie and Novak Djokovic will meet once again on the clay, with the winner earning themselves a place in the quarter-finals of the French Open.
It is a prize far more coveted than their last meeting in Geneva, and one that could propel the former back up the rankings after a slump in recent years.
Many are well aware of the qualities the South African-born star possesses, and at times throughout his career he has shown glimpses of it.
However, a torrid run of injuries and form has seen him drop all the way to 81st in the world, perhaps not a true reflection of his level.
The 38-year-old is well aware of the threats his upcoming opponent possesses.
Novak Djokovic speaks about Cam Norrie
Novak Djokovic sought to preview his match with Norrie, a second in as many weeks, by actually offering his thoughts on the Brit.
In fact, in doing so he actually revealed what the general consensus on tour is surrounding the 29-year-old, as the Serbian stated: ‘Yeah, I saw his impressive win in the first round against Medvedev. I think he was 5-3 down in the fifth and managed to turn that round so, he’s a big fighter. He’s a grinder. Cameron is known for that on the tour.
‘He never gives up, he’s always trying to back himself and positive attitude on the court so he’s a great example for the younger kids watching him play, he has the right attitude.
‘I’m going to be ready for the battle. We played recently in Geneva, obviously a bit more altitude there, different conditions. He’s in form. He struggled a bit in recent years, but he’s building his form and coming back to where he deserves.
‘He deserves to be top 20, top 15, 10 in the world. He’s been there. He’s been in the last stages of slams. We played the semis at Wimbledon some years ago. It’s going to be a good one, I look forward to it.’
Ironically, this comes after Laura Robson revealed what she had heard players saying about Norrie.
Cam Norrie’s solid clay-court campaign continues
In reaching the fourth round of the French Open, Norrie has already achieved his best-ever run at this event across his entire career.
Naturally, the clay has not been kind to the 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist, but this year things seem to have been changing for the better in that regard.
Losing in the qualifiers of Monte-Carlo hardly provided the strongest platform for progression, but following that up with a run to the Round of 32 in Barcelona was solid.
Norrie followed that up by achieving the same feat in Madrid, this time beating Jiri Lehecka on his way to that stage. In Rome, he emerged through qualifiers only to be halted by Daniil Medvedev, a frustrating loss which he has since avenged at Roland Garros.
And then, heading to Geneva, he stormed all the way to the semi-finals from the qualifiers, losing only to Djokovic across a hard-fought three-set slog.
He can compete on the clay against these top players, and now has the perfect platform to prove that notion as he faces the 24-time Grand Slam champion once again.
