AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 14, 2025

Cameron Norrie

Press Conference

M. BERRETTINI/C. Norrie

6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Cameron, bad luck today. How do you reflect on today's match?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, it was a tough match. Yeah, it was a difficult draw. I was really happy with the way I was hitting the ball, the level in the first set. I just dropped from then, and he maintained his level and served very well. So it was difficult.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It was a difficult draw. How tough is it when he's banging down all those aces?

CAMERON NORRIE: I think I knew what I was in for. I was expecting that. It was exactly that match.

He's a top player. I would have had to have done that, kept the level like I did in the first set for three, four hours at least to have a chance with him. I wasn't able to do it physically. It definitely showed on the scoreline.

Q. Any issues physically?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, I haven't been able to prepare as well as I could. I've been pretty sick in Auckland, then coming here. Just barely practiced.

Honestly, I've been feeling the ball so well. Pre-season was excellent. It was a bit unfortunate with the timing. I definitely gave myself the best chance. Just hit the wall after like an hour and a bit. I was not able to stay sharp on the court.

A bit disappointing. Yeah, it is what it is. Yeah, most importantly just get my health back to 100%, get some rest. Just tough to sustain that today.

Q. You mentioned you practiced together quite a lot. You're based in the same place. Do you feel he's got maybe the biggest serve on his day on tour? Do you feel you've got any better read on it? Does practice go out the window?

CAMERON NORRIE: I think his serve is unbelievable, it's very, very accurate. It's not just the serve. He's got a great forehand. Yeah, I think honestly I have a really good game to play him. Yeah, was not able to do that today.

I think he passed extremely well on the backhand side today. That surprised me a little bit. Yeah, he's got a complete game. I think he can go really deep in the draw. He's a really good guy, one of my better friends on the tour. I'm really happy that he's playing this level. He was very solid today.

Yeah, it was too good and too complete of a performance for me.

Q. Tough draw this week. You talked before about how difficult it can be to climb the rankings when you're outside the seedings, top 50. How big a factor is luck in terms of the draws opening up?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, I think it's a really good challenge. I think, yeah, when I was obviously seeded at previous slams, you kind of take it for granted. I was breezing through some first rounds not playing well at all. This time last year, I didn't play well till the third round and played my best tennis. Certainly gives you some leeway to work yourself into the tournament.

Like you said, it was a tough draw for both of us. Got to accept that. I think it's where my ranking is right now. It's the truth. I didn't play on hard court last year. I was not fit to compete the whole year. It showed.

I think it's nice, a good challenge, to work myself back to that. I don't see any reason why not. I'm very focused on getting back there. Put a really good pre-season in and really looking forward to getting back there, so...

I think just got to stay patient. I believe I can do it. For sure just need to get the health back to 100% and go again.

Q. About Matteo's serve, where do you rate it in the game? How is it different opposed to the super big guys like Isner and Opelka?

CAMERON NORRIE: I think he has all the spots. I think especially the second serve is very good, as well. I think, yeah, it's a very big, big serve. I think he's very good at getting a forehand after he hits the first serve. He's pretty quick to spread the court after that.

I think it's more just the serve is very good, but also the first ball, especially on the forehand side, very accurate with the forehand.

Q. Given the health issues you just talked about, are you still planning to play doubles? If so, can you tell us about the partnership with Marcus?

CAMERON NORRIE: We'll see. I want to see and talk with my team and see how I'm feeling. I think the priority will be to rest and try just to get myself back to 100%.

I think looking forward to Davis Cup in Japan. I think try to get myself the best option for that, and how can I rest. I really believe my tennis is in a good spot. I was playing amazing in Hong Kong, feeling so good there. The last two tournaments I was not able to compete at my best, but that's tennis. There's always going to be something going on.

Yeah, I'm just going to do what's best my health.

Q. Maybe back to New Zealand, stay in Australia, go up to Japan?

CAMERON NORRIE: It's a tough one. Still some time until the Davis Cup. I'll see what I do with the doubles and decide after that.

Q. How challenging is an away draw to Japan in the Davis Cup after here? Is there anything you have to sacrifice in your own individual season to even just play in that tie?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, it's (indiscernible) pressing a lot. The timing is very awkward with especially having the result that I had today. It's tough whether to go back or to stay.

Then obviously all the best tournaments for me is my best time of year with the outdoor hard swing. Yeah, it's difficult timing. I want to always put myself ready to compete for that one. It's a very cool tie to play in Japan. I really love the home and away aspect of Davis Cup. I think it's the best part about it.

I quite like the challenge of it. Yeah, the timing's not the best for me right now at this moment. Yeah, happy to be selected. Would be nice to go. It would be nice to progress through. It's not an easy draw, for sure, but we have a good team.

Q. Looks like a pretty tricky tie, especially away from home. How do you see it? Also Jacob potentially making a debut, how do you think he could get on?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, for sure difficult matchup. They have a lot of good players on their team. It's going to be interesting to see who they play. I'm not sure with the doubles what they typically do with that.

Yeah, I've been really impressed with Jacob and his progression up the ranks. Watching him last night, it was some good viewing in bed watching him against Kyrgios. He stayed very calm throughout the whole match. It's impressive.

I think he has a very complete game. I don't see any reason why he can't be at the very top of the game. I know it's still early doors for him, but I really love the way he works day in, day out. He deserves all the wins and success that he's had. I think it's just the beginning for him.

I think he loves the team atmosphere. Obviously we went to the same school at TCU. We both like the team atmosphere. I think it's a great addition to the team. Yeah, hopefully he can progress throughout this tournament. I think he has a good chance to go through. Some new experiences for him. It will be great to have him in the team. I'm excited for him.

Q. What is your schedule after Japan?

CAMERON NORRIE: I'm going Dallas, Delray, I think it's a week off, then Acapulco, then Indian Wells, Miami. It's a good one, full on (smiling).

Q. Why did you decide not to go back to South America for the clay?

CAMERON NORRIE: Yeah, I love those tournaments a lot. I've played well at them in the past. I want to just play on the outdoor hard.

Last year I barely got to play at all on any outdoor hard tournaments. I think it's my best surface. I want to prioritize that. Yeah, I think it gives me the best chance for Indian Wells and Miami, as well. I really like those conditions, too.

I got incredibly sick in Rio, was not able to complete the tournament properly. I was wiped out. It was maybe one red flag there. I really am going to miss the Buenos Aires and Rio tournaments. Great atmosphere there. It's a tough one. I wish they were at different moments of the year, but it is what it is.