Cameron Norrie will face Novak Djokovic later today in the Geneva Open semi-finals, with both players having enjoyed a solid run to reach this stage.
Heading into the event, which has been seen by many as merely an opportunity for form and fitness ahead of the French Open, expectations might not have been high for this duo.
After all, the former has endured a solid if unspectacular clay-court campaign, whilst the 24-time Grand Slam champion is featuring in just his third event on the dirt.
Regardless, one of them will now be a finalist in Switzerland, as they stoke the flames of an old and unlikely rivalry that reached an all-time high in 2023.
How Cameron Norrie annoyed Novak Djokovic in 2023
Facing one another in the Italian Open Round of 16, the result was never really in doubt as Novak Djokovic stormed into an early lead which he never looked like relinquishing.
However, it was one mid-match flashpoint which truly left the eventual victor furious early in the second set.
Already down a set and a break, frustration for Norrie was building.
But with a break point of his own, he hit a delicate drop shot which his opponent barely returned. Flicking another shot back in play, Djokovic could only feather his return high up towards the net.
Knowing the point was over, he turned his back and began walking back to his end of the court, leaving himself completely unaware of Norrie’s fierce volley which struck him in the legs.
There was an instant apology from the XX-year-old, but Djokovic was seething. He turned around and stalked back towards the net, clearly wanting to have a word with his opponent.
He certainly made his feelings known after dispatching Norrie.
What Novak Djokovic said about Cameron Norrie in 2023
Speaking after the incident, the Serbian was reserved in his judgement for the Brit.
However, there was clearly a bit of frustration remaining, with the lingering death stare shot on court a prime indicator of this.
Asked about it at the time, Djokovic claimed: ‘Maybe you could say he didn’t hit me deliberately.
‘I don’t know if he saw me. I mean … you can always see where the player is positioned on the court.
‘It was not so much maybe about that, but it was maybe a combination of things.
‘He was doing all the things that we’re allowed. He’s allowed to take a medical timeout. He’s allowed to hit a player. He’s allowed to say ‘come on’ in the face more or less every single point from basically first game.
‘Those are the things that we players know in the locker room it’s not fair play, it’s not how we treat each other. But, again, it’s allowed.’
It’s ironic the furore he shared with one British player, given the one he conversely shared with Andy Murray. That is, despite Djokovic and Murray parting ways from their coaching journey earlier this month.
It will be interesting to see if Norrie can once again get under the skin of this legendary veteran, or if he will be brushed aside once again.
