Stefanos Tsitsipas downs Cameron Norrie in Abu Dhabi

World No 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Cameron Norrie at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Tsitsipas found his level quickest and raced to a 6-1, 6-4 victory to avenge a defeat to Norrie at the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The win sees Tsitsipas progress to a semi-final matchup against US Open finalist Casper Ruud.

Norrie and Tsitsipas met for the second time in a week at an exhibition event, after the Brit triumphed 6-4 6-4 over the world No 4 In Riyadh.

The Brit made a tortured start to the match after he engaged in a protracted and ultimately futile attempt to avoid being broken in his opening service game.

The 27-year-old had to save another break point before the British No. 1 could ultimately break at 1-3.

Tsitsipas then continued to dominate the set, breaking again and serving for the opener before leading 6-1 after 39 minutes after serving it out to love.

In what was Tsitsipas’ first service game without a break point, Norrie held to start the second set, breaking the Greek star’s streak of games. In the second set, there was a tense moment when the world No. 14 asked the umpire to overrule a line call because he didn’t agree with it (the official said he couldn’t), and the 24-year-old was able to hold for 4-4.

The four-time ATP Tour titlist’s service was then broken by Tsitsipas at a vital juncture when Norrie appeared to back off and nearly gave the world No. 4 the game, giving him a chance to serve for the match. To avenge his defeat in Saudi Arabia last week, the Greek player was able to finish off a 6-1 6-4 victory in an hour and 24 minutes.

“I think it was a good match from my side but also Cam tried to play his best. Cam already played well in Saudi. But for sure it was really enjoyable playing here,” the world No 4 said after his straight-sets victory over Norrie on Friday.

“I really enjoy this rivalry with Cameron, I really hope we get to play each other a lot of times in the future. I think it’s good for us, I think it’s good for the game. Exhibitions are slightly different but I hope we get to face each other more in Grand Slams and Masters 1000s.”

Ruud, who enjoyed a bye into the semi-final, awaits Tsitsipas.

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