Tim Henman has rushed to deliver his appraisal of Cameron Norrie’s Wimbledon defeat to Carlos Alcaraz today.
Realistically, it was a simple evening’s work for the Spaniard, who didn’t really have to leave second gear to brush aside his opponent.
The only threat came in his very first service game, where Cam Norrie brought about break points that he failed to convert.
From then on, it was one-way traffic.
Carlos Alcaraz is into a third-straight Wimbledon semi-final, and will now face Taylor Fritz for a spot in the grand finale.
With the routine nature of tonight’s victory, it’s worth wondering whether anyone can stop him on the All-England Club’s turf.
Tim Henman praises Cam Norrie’s Wimbledon run
Speaking live on the BBC in the aftermath of Norrie’s defeat, Henman gave his immediate reaction to the last-remaining Brit exiting Wimbledon.
He commended his compatriot, but first sought to add context to his impressive run: “Cam’s game is about repetition and momentum and confidence. I think with all due respect, in the last 12 months, he had certainly lost that.
“The other players work you out, when you have been on tour and have been in the top 10, they are getting the opportunity to practice with you and see how you play in big matches and big tournaments.
“I think that’s where people understood the best way to play against Cam. But at the end of the clay court season that week in Geneva, he got through to the semis, played a really good match against Novak Djokovic and then played some really good matches at Roland Garros.
“Then to come here and have four very good wins through to the quarter-finals, that is back on the trajectory we have come to expect from Norrie, so another great tournament for him.”
Perhaps one reason for this easy Alcaraz win was due to the match being on Centre Court, with Norrie stating that he preferred Wimbledon’s Court One before the match.
Cam Norrie defied British expectations at Wimbledon
Heading into this year’s Wimbledon, it was no surprise that Jack Draper was spearheading British hopes.
After all, he was the fourth seed, and the British number one by some distance.
His 2025 had been the best of his young career thus far, reaching the fourth round of both Grand Slams whilst also claiming his maiden Masters 1000 title too.
And, reaching the semi-finals of Queen’s, his grass-court preparation seemed ideal.
So, to see him dumped out in the second round, whilst forgotten man Norrie stormed into the quarters, surprised many.
Hopefully this can be the springboard that propels the 29-year-old back up the rankings and into the latter stages of ATP events more regularly.
