Nervous Norrie Advances as Korda Withdraws in US Open Opener
Flushing Meadows, New York – In an unexpected turn of events, Britain’s Cameron Norrie secured his place in the second round of the US Open after his opponent, Sebastian Korda, retired due to injury. The 30-year-old nervous Norrie admitted to feeling the pressure before the match, but Korda’s early exit spared him a grueling battle on the courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
A Tense Start for Norrie
Norrie, currently ranked No. 42 in the world, faced a challenging mental hurdle ahead of his early-morning match. “I was very nervous for this one,” Norrie confessed after the match. “Playing a Grand Slam at 11 a.m. and trying to force down rice at 10 a.m. isn’t exactly ideal preparation!” His concerns were understandable—prior to their US Open clash, Korda had won three of their four previous encounters, and despite recent struggles, the American remained a formidable opponent.
Fortunately for Norrie, the match didn’t go the distance. After winning the first set 7-5 and leading 4-2 in the second, Korda signaled he could no longer continue. The 25-year-old American had only recently returned from a three-month absence due to a shin stress fracture and appeared to be struggling with an abdominal issue. A medical timeout early in the second set offered little relief, and after pushing through a few more games, Korda called it quits.
Korda’s Unfortunate Exit
Korda’s withdrawal was a disappointing end to his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis. Just last week, he made his comeback at the Winston-Salem Open after months of recovery, raising hopes for a strong US Open showing. However, his body had other plans.
“I feel for Sebastian,” Norrie said sympathetically. “He’s been out all summer, and he’s an incredible player who’s had the better of me in our recent matches. It’s tough to see him exit like this.”
Norrie’s victory propels him into the second round, where he’ll face either Argentina’s Francisco Comesana or American Alex Michelsen. While he’ll gladly take the win, the circumstances left him with mixed feelings.
Norrie’s History at the US Open
This year marks Norrie’s seventh appearance at Flushing Meadows, yet despite his experience, the nerves never fully fade. In 2024, he was forced to withdraw due to an arm injury, adding to the pressure of making a strong comeback this time around.
His best performance at the US Open came in 2022 when he reached the fourth round, proving he has the potential to go deep in the tournament. With the first-round hurdle cleared—albeit unconventionally—Norrie will be eager to find his rhythm in the coming matches.
What’s Next for Norrie?
With his next opponent yet to be decided, Norrie will aim to capitalize on this opportunity. His consistency and ability to grind out tough matches make him a dangerous opponent, especially on hard courts. While he may have started the tournament feeling nervous, the Brit will now shift focus to building momentum.
As for Korda, fans will hope for a speedy recovery. The young American has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, and with time to heal, he could return stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts
Norrie’s rollercoaster start to the US Open highlights the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis. While a walkover isn’t the way players prefer to advance, it does give him a slight physical advantage going forward. For now, the nervous Norrie can breathe a sigh of relief—but tougher challenges await.
