Norrie exits the Australian Open with pride after a tough game against Nadal

Two left-handers faced off as Cameron Norrie took on the World number two, Rafael Nadal. It was a good match, played in the eerie quiet of an empty Rod Laver Arena.

All of the action at today’s Australian Open was played behind closed doors, as a five-day lockdown hit Melbourne. It did not stop the players hitting the levels we are all used to, and the game between Norrie and Nadal, was one of passion, fight and quality that saw Nadal progress, winning 7-5, 6-2, 7-5.

Norrie exits, but can be proud of his showing

It is the first time that Norrie has come up against any of the ‘big three’ (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic), and he can be proud of his showing despite losing in straight sets. Norrie’s serve was good, and his forehand was also consistent throughout. Norrie tried to attack Nadal, rather than playing on the defensive. It meant he forced the odd error out of the Spaniard, and won some impressive points, and games.

The second set saw errors creeping in to Norrie’s game. It was the only set where his usually strong serve faltered, and his attacking shots weren’t coming off. He lost his rhythm, but the impressive thing about Norrie here was his mentality. After losing 6-2, he came out fighting in the third set, and gave his all.

Norrie will learn a lot from this, he now has experienced the level he has to reach if he wants to be targeting the latter stages of tournaments, especially Grand Slams.

Nadal not at his best

Despite not dropping a set, Nadal was not at his usual best. There were games, points, shots that were fantastic, but overall he was slightly below his normal standards. Nadal’s serve was less effective than usual, and it is the first time this tournament, that his slight back injury has showed.

The World number two showed his immense quality, but in that, the odd unforced error occurred. Frustration crept in, and Nadal was visibly frustrated at times. But he showed why he is one of the best of all-time, by managing to cruise to victory, despite not being at his best.

The win sets up a last 16 tie against Italian Fabio Fognini. Fognini knocked out the last remaining Aussie, Alex de Minaur, in straight sets.

Not the same without the fans

The players put on a great show for all those watching, but it did feel flat without the usual cheers and support from the crowd. Tennis is like no other sport. Of course the fans are there to back a certain player, but they also support great shots, points and moments that the opposing player does.

There was an eerie silence, where at times, you could hear other commentators, the players talking, and the clicks of the photographers. Nadal admitted post match that it felt strange, and like all players and fans across the world, they hope that it won’t be much longer, before they get the crowds back in.

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