Cameron Norrie crashes out of Wimbledon to Chris Eubanks
Cameron Norrie suffered a second-round knockout to Chris Eubanks to end his Wimbledon hopes.
The British number one was left dazed by American Eubanks’ powerful hitting and his haymaker of a serve in a punishing 6-3, 3-6 6-2, 7-6 (3), defeat.
In a heavyweight start to the contest, the first 20 points all went with serve including nine aces, seven from the arm of Eubanks.
And it was the world number 43 who landed the first blow, breaking Norrie to love on his way to taking the opening set.
Norrie, the 12th seed and a semi-finalist last year, had barely laid a glove on his opponent, winning just three points on the Eubanks serve.
But the South-African-born southpaw hauled himself off the canvas and secured an early break in the second set to level the match.
However, Norrie has looked ring-rusty in recent months and Eubanks, a grass-court title-winner in Mallorca in June, took advantage by breaking twice for the third set.
The bank is open for business 🏦@chris_eubanks96 on Wimbledon debut reaches the third round with a stunning performance against the No.12 seed Cameron Norrie, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(3) 🙌#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/AMih8z5uEX
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2023
Eubanks dropped his guard in the fourth, losing his serve to love, but he hit back for 4-4 to leave Norrie on the ropes.
Norrie survived a match point on serve when a Eubanks forehand thudded into the net.
But Eubanks was too strong in the tie-break, a quick one-two of a booming forehand and delicate volley leaving Norrie out for the count.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray suffered more Wimbledon heartache with a five-set defeat by Stefanos Tsitsipas in their delayed second-round clash.
The Scot was two sets to one up overnight when the 11pm curfew came into play but he was unable to complete the job, with fifth seed Tsitsipas fighting back to win 7-6 (3), 6-7 (2), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4.
It was a hugely disappointing way for Murray to mark the 10th anniversary of his career-defining first Wimbledon title, and he is all too aware that his chances for another deep run here are ebbing away.
He missed the French Open to focus on his grass-court preparations and arrived at the All England Club feeling confident and healthy for the first time since winning his second title in 2016.
He was unfortunate to run into a top seed so early, and there were many aspects of his performance that were positive, but he would have fancied his chances against Tsitsipas on grass and this one will sting.
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