2021 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Quarter-Final – Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie taking place? Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
When is Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie on and what time does it start? Friday 23rd April, 2021 – not before TBC (UK)
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie? No tickets are available as this event is sold out
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number three Rafael Nadal raced to a 6-0 love lead in his round of 16 match against Kei Nishikori in front of an adoring crowd but the Japanese star fought back well to force a deciding set. Whilst Nadal rallied to end confidently, the 34-year-old is certainly looking a little more fallible on clay right now than he would like just a month away from Roland-Garros and he needs to find rhythm on his serve sooner rather than later. World number 58 Cameron Norrie has been in exceptional form at the Barcelona Open and even though David Goffin was suffering and eventually retired from their round of 16 match the 25-year-old was in control. Norrie, who beat the 12th seed Karen Khachanov in excellent fashion on Wednesday, has not been rewarded for his efforts by the draw as Nadal has proven a bad match-up for his skills only recently. The pair met in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year and despite playing well over three sets there was very little sign of Norrie catching the Spaniard out. As two left-handers, Norrie’s precise forehand will find the best back-hand on clay more often than not and negate some of his game. Given that Nadal is some way off his imperious best right now and Norrie’s performances this week, there is definitely a shout for the world number 58 to force a deciding set and there has never been a better time to face Nadal on clay. Norrie could well take inspiration from Dan Evans' defeat of Novak Djokovic last week to pull off the biggest win of his career and that could be worth a punt but the likeliest outcome remains a straight-sets win if Nadal can find more of his first serve.
