US Open 2025: Cam Norrie into second round as Sebastian Korda retires
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Cam Norrie is through to the second round of the US Open after former world No.15 Sebastian Korda was forced to retire with the Briton leading by two sets.
Norrie saved two break points to come through a tough opening set and led 7-5, 6-4 when Korda decided to call an end to the match.
The British No.2 moves into the second round where he will face Argentina’s Francisco Comesana after he upset 28th seed Alex Michelsen in four sets.
He’s now won his opening round match at the US Open in six of his eight visits to New York.
“It was a tough first set, it could have gone either way,” Norrie said, reflecting on his second win in five matches against the American.
“I saved a lot of break points and managed to play very well. It was tricky, he was serve and volleying, giving me no rhythm and I had to play a really tough game at the end there.
“I feel for Seb – he’s been out for the whole summer, he’s an amazing talent and he’s beaten me the last few times we’ve played. It’s good to see him playing here but tough to see him finish like that.”
Norrie has brought his best tennis on the big stages this season, reaching the quarter-final at Wimbledon and fourth round at Roland Garros. The 29-year-old will be hoping to replicate that form at Flushing Meadows this year.
“I was very nervous for the match, first match of a Grand Slam,” he added. “I’ve prepared really well, I went to TCU and had a good training block there and got used to the heat so this (the weather) was nothing today. It was nice to feel prepared, rest, and it was a solid match. I’m happy to be through.”
Despite Korda having the early opportunities to break, the British star seemed to be getting under the skin of his opponent the more the set progressed.
Norrie ripped a forehand down the line to set up his first three break points with the score at 5-5, before the American pulled an easy short ball wide to essentially hand over the set.
The Briton carried the momentum into the second set, breaking Korda immediately with an easy forehand pass at 15-40 on the opening game.
After coming through a lengthy hold of serve to get on the board at 2-1, Korda was forced to call for a medical timeout to get treatment on an injury.
The world No.75 returned to the court and fought to try and get back into the match. Korda tried to stay aggressive to overcome Norrie’s advantage in the baseline exchanges and managed to save set points on his serve at 5-3.
The American had two chances to level at 5-5 in the following game, but Norrie kept his nerve to serve out a two-set lead.
