HSBC Championships 2026: Cam Norrie on injury return, playing at Queen’s & the World Cup

The 2021 runner-up and former Wimbledon semi-finalist returns to the grass after a difficult end to the clay court swing, having to retire in the first round of Roland Garros with a rib issue.

After a bit of time away from the court, Norrie has been back on the grass this week and is feeling good ahead of one of his favourite parts of the tennis season.

“I took more than a week off after Paris and went to Barcelona for a wedding to enjoy,” he said. “It was cool to do something different, take my mind off tennis completely. Then I was just resting and came here to prepare.

“The rib was bothering me a little bit in the beginning while I was practicing but nothing major. I’m feeling good now and lots of learnings from everything. It was a nice mental reset.

“I always like being back in the UK, so I’m feeling pretty relaxed. I’ve been hitting the ball well immediately, which has been good.

“I know I’m playing great, so I have the confidence to know I’m going to have a big result eventually. I want to continue to enjoy it.”

Norrie and the rest of the British men’s players have a tough act to follow next week after impressive performances from the women in the WTA 500 event.

Katie Boulter reached the semi-finals, and fellow British No.1 Emma Raducanu is set to play in the women’s final later today.

The world No.29 – who plays fourth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the opening round – was full of praise for his compatriots and hopes that playing in the second week could work to his advantage.

“It’s been a good start for all the girls – they did really well this week,” Norrie said. “There’s no better place to start the grass court season so I’m looking forward to it and the girls really set the tone high.

“I think I do prefer the court being worn in a bit. I know at Wimbledon I always like it in the second week I really like the grass and feel I move really well on it. The courts here are feeling really great.”

Last week, Norrie’s former Davis Cup teammate and former British No.1 Dan Evans announced that he is set to retire after the 2026 grass court season.

Having spent lots of time together both on and off the court, Norrie was full of praise for his countryman when asked about the news in his pre-tournament press conference.

“He was incredible for British tennis and me personally,” he added. “I was always trying to chase him.

“For me, one of the most fun guys to watch. The way he played is so incredibly difficult to do at such a high level. It’s super impressive what he’s done, how skillful he is, and how dedicated he is to tennis.

“He was a big inspiration and very much a relatable figure. I wish him all the best, and I think he can be proud of such a great career.”

The HSBC Championships won’t be the only high-profile sporting event taking place this week, as World Cup fever captures the interest from across the globe.

As a big football fan, with ties to several teams, Norrie said he will have to manage his schedule a bit to stay up-to-date.

“I want Scotland to do the best because of my Dad,” he said. “They got a lucky goal last night, but we’ll take it. It’s pretty weird with the timings, but I think everyone is following.

“I might have to take some naps in the afternoon, the timings are pretty tough. We’ll have to plan.”