MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Cameron Norrie eases past Juan Pablo Varillas to open Melbourne campaign
ATPTuesday, 16 January 2024 at 11:18
Briton Cameron Norrie launched his campaign at the Australian Open with a three-set victory over Peruvian player Juan Pablo Varillas on a windy and sunny Tuesday morning at Melbourne Park.
On the third day of the Australian Open, 19th seed Cameron Norrie eased past World No. 81 Juan Pablo Varillas with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win after two hours and 15 minutes at the 1573 Arena in Melbourne.
The players made an erratic start to the opener, their second meeting at tour level, marked by over a dozen unforced errors across the first three games. As the set wore on, they went toe-to-toe from the baseline, but in a critical fifth game, Norrie found an edge, only in his sixth attempt, to break his adversary, earning a 3-2 lead.
Building from there, the 28-year-old notched the first set 6-4 in 57 minutes. With the wind in his sails, Britain's No. 1 delivered a dominant display for much of the second set, breaking twice in the process, courtesy of a sharp forehand and blistering serve performance.
However, a late challenge by the Lima-born player would add pressure over the five-time titlist, who got broken in the eighth game. Varillas efforts saw him narrowing the gap from 1-5 to 4-5, winning 67 percent of the points at the net.
But then, the man who bids to improve last year's run, going beyond the AO third round, regrouped to close out proceedings 6-4. The unseeded player double-faulted in the third game of the third set, handling his rival the break as early as in the third game.
After a brilliant 20-shot rally, Norrie extended his lead with a break in the seventh game to serve the match at 5-2.
Written by Cecilia Demartini
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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