National Bank Open 2026: Cam Norrie exits in fourth round defeat to Arthur Fils
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Cam Norrie missed the chance to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final of the season after a fourth round defeat to Arthur Fils at the National Bank Open.
After a one-sided opening set, Norrie raised his level in the second but was unable to force a decider as the 18th seed sealed a 6-2, 7-6(8) victory.
Despite the defeat, it continued an encouraging run of form for Norrie on North American hard courts. The 30-year-old followed up his semi-final appearance in Los Cabos with another deep run in Montreal, and will look to build on the momentum heading into the next Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati before the US Open in just a few weeks' time.
He will also return to the British No.1 spot when the rankings next update, overtaking Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery.
Speaking on his British opponent’s level, Fils said, "It was a very, very nice battle against Cam.
“He is a huge competitor. It was a good first set from me. But the second set was just back and forth. I couldn't get it (easily). He started to raise his level and played his best at the end. But I am happy to have won in two sets."
After holding his opening service game, Norrie was immediately put on the back foot as the 18th seed struck an inside-out forehand winner into the corner to secure an early break and move 4-1 ahead.
The Brit had opportunities to break back but was unable to capitalise, with Fils converting his second opportunity of the match when Norrie sent a forehand into the net to take the first set.
Norrie began to match his opponent's intensity in the second and withstood sustained pressure, saving three break points and three match points to force a tie-break.
There, the Brit battled back from 5-2 down to earn two set points and move within touching distance of a decider. However, Fils held his nerve to erase both chances before sealing victory when Norrie netted a backhand.
Norrie will now look to build on his form at the upcoming Cincinnati Open which gets underway from Tuesday 11 August.
Elsewhere, Wimbledon champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara are into the men’s doubles quarter-finals following their 6-4, 7-6(6) victory over Andre Goransson and Casper Ruud. They will face all-Argentine pair Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Francisco Cerundolo for a spot in the final four.
British women’s doubles No.1 Olivia Nicholls is also in action later today alongside Slovakian partner Tereza Mihalikova. The reigning HSBC Championships winners are set to play Erin Routliffe and Aldila Sutjiadi.
