2021 Australian Open Third Round – Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Saturday 13th February, 2021 – not before 09:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Cameron Norrie vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
CAMERON NORRIE
- World number 69 Cameron Norrie has made the third round of the Australian Open the hard way after two four-set wins over fellow Brit Dan Evans and in-form qualifier Roman Safiullin.
- This is without doubt the biggest match of the 25-year-old’s career as he faces 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal for the first time in his joint-highest Grand Slam stage.
RAFAEL NADAL
- It looks to be business as usual for Rafael Nadal as the 34-year-old won his second successive Australian Open match in straight sets, overcoming a spirited attempt from Michael Mmoh.
- The world number two looks to be in good shape after pulling out of last week’s ATP Cup last week as he aims to reach the Australian Open Round of 16 for a fifth consecutive year.
THE PREDICTION
Cam Norrie has been both underdog and favourite so far at the Australian Open and has taken on all comers well with two four-set defeats of British number one Dan Evans and a surprisingly strong Roman Safiullin on Thursday. This will be an interesting match-up between two left-handers and if Norrie can work on finding a way to upset the Spaniard’s rhythm he could be the first proper challenge Nadal; has faced this campaign. However, in their first career meeting it is likely to be just another day at the office for Rafael Nadal, who historically powers through the first week of Grand Slams without too much fuss. Norrie will out his all into this and is well capable of taking a surprise set but the likelihood here is a straight-sets victory for the world number two.
