Cameron Norrie set for blockbuster semi-final in Los Cabos

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Cameron Norrie

British number one Cameron Norrie battled past Radu Albot to reach the semi-finals of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Norrie had been given a bye into the second round, where he beat Chun-Hsin Tseng of Taiwan in straight sets.

The world number 12, who reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon, recovered after losing his serve in the very first game to twice break Albot and take the opening set 6-3.

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Norrie then looked on course for another comfortable victory when forcing an early break in the second set to then lead 5-3.

However, Moldovan Albot, ranked 118 in the world, gained momentum after a hold and then a break to level at 5-5.

The 32-year-old then backed that up to move 6-5 ahead and pile the pressure back on Norrie’s faltering serve.

Norrie, though, then produced a big hold himself to send the match into a tie-break.

Cameron Norrie, pictured, will face second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in the final (John Walton/PA)

A short volley from Albot at the net was swiftly dispatched by Norrie to claim an early mini-break before moving 4-1 ahead and eventually closed out for a 6-3 7-6 (4) victory in just under two hours.

Speaking on court after his victory, Norrie said: “I know Radu, he is a great competitor and athlete. I didn’t really start my best again today so had to fight from behind.

“I was ahead in the second set and then got a little nervous there, then he upped his game.

“I served for the match, but played a terrible game. But that happens and I had enough confidence to accept it was OK and relax, then play a good tie-break after that.

“I am pleased to get through, get some rest and get ready for tomorrow.”

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Norrie goes on to face second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who earlier beat American Steve Johnson 6-4 7-6 (3).

The Canadian has never lost against Norrie, holding a 4-0 head-to-head record.

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“Every time I play Felix he plays really well and has beaten me every time so I am going to have to play well tomorrow,” Norrie said.

Elsewhere, world number one Daniil Medvedev coasted into the semi-finals with a 6-2 6-2 victory against Ricardas Berankis.

The Russian top seed will go on to play fourth seed Miomir Kecmanovic, who beat sixth seed Brandon Nakashima 6-2 6-4.

Cameron Norrie

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