BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells 2026: Cam Norrie knocks out sixth seed Alex de Minaur to reach fourth round
• 2 minute read
Cam Norrie has produced one of his best performances of the season so far after he beat world No.6 Alex de Minaur to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.
The British No.2 needed just an hour and 39 minutes to overcome the reigning Rotterdam Open champion 6-4, 6-4 and progress to the fourth round.
Norrie is a former champion at Indian Wells having captured the title back in 2021 - marking his first Masters 1000 crown. With the desert being renowned for bringing out his best tennis, Norrie will be fired up to go the distance once again after his statement win over the Australian.
“I think I just enjoyed it from the first point to the last point”, Norrie said in his post-match interview. “I didn’t feel much pressure to be honest. I was feeling the ball so well in the warm-up and knew I was playing well - I wanted to take it to him and not overplay.
“He’s a player that you feel like you have to play perfect against and I just tried to play my game, enjoy it - it was a nice performance."
The Brit delivered another clinical display in the Californian desert, saving all four break points he faced in the opening set. On the flip side, Norrie played the pressure points well on the return - breaking at the first opportunity before going on to see out the set.
The 2021 Indian Wells champion made another fast start to the second - surging ahead to a 5-2 lead against the sixth seed. Norrie was particularly effective when moving forward, winning an impressive 88% of points (15/17) at the net as he looked to finish the points quickly.
De Minaur threatened a late comeback when he broke Norrie as the Brit attempted to serve out the match at 5-3. However, the 29th seed quickly regained his composure and sealed the win at the second time of asking with an inch-perfect backhand volley at the net.
Norrie will play either 10th seed Alexander Bublik or Australian Rinky Hijikata in the last 16.
Still to come tonight, defending champion Jack Draper will take on 19th seed Francisco Cerundolo, while Sonay Kartal faces 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys in her third round clash.
Kartal will be bidding to match her tournament-best run of the fourth round, which she achieved last year.
