Alexander Zverev admitted he feels” like a cow on ice sometimes” after surviving a heavy fall and a monumental third set tie-break to edge by would-be home hero Cameron Norrie and into the last 16 of Wimbledon with a 6-4 6-4 7-6(15) win on Centre Court.
It’s an honour to play on Centre Court, I’ve played on all the centre courts around the world, but I think Wimbledon is still something more special and something different. Alexander Zverev
And it was clear Manchester City football manager Pep Guardiola, sitting in the Royal Box, lifted the German’s spirits against the “incredible” 2022 semi-finalist Norrie who went down fighting in the 32-point breaker which extended over 20 minutes.
The fourth seed said: “Cam is an incredible player. Obviously, grass is going to be his favourite surface as a Wimbledon semi-finalist here. I knew I had to play at my best level. I’m extremely happy with my performance, extremely happy with my game. It’s an honour to play on Centre Court, I’ve played on all the centre courts around the world, but I think Wimbledon is still something more special and something different.
“For me and for all tennis players it’s an honour to play on this beautiful Centre Court and in front to the Royal Box, we had so many sporting legends today. For me Pep Guardiola – when I saw Pep I got so nervous for a few games.
“Thanks a lot for coming, it’s a privilege to play. Last thing – Bayern Munich needs a coach. If you’re tired of football you can coach me on a tennis court any time.”
On his fall, the tall gangly German added: “I do feel like a cow on ice sometimes. It is what it is but I managed. I do feel restricted on some of the movements but I will check and see what it is but I’m pleased I was able to play the way that I did. If I’d dropped in my level, I would have had no chance against Cam.”
The odds were stacked against Norrie going in.
His preparation on grass for the tournament had been far from ideal, enduring first-round losses at Queen’s and Eastbourne.
True his confidence had been building through The Championships by reaching the third round, with an impressive win over fellow Brit Jack Draper on route.
But he had never beaten Zverev in five previous meetings. Never overcome a world top-five in a major. And his opponent was looking to extend his 20-match unbeaten run against left-handers.
But the 2022 semi-finalist – a left-hander – made a steady start against the German, who reached the French Open final last month.
Unfortunately, Zverev broke him in the seventh game of opening and went on to seal the lead.
Alexander Zverev takees a fall during his match with Cameron Norrie
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The opening four games of the second set went with serve, but there was drama in the fifth. His German opponent damaged his knees after slipping on the turf with his left and banging his right as he fell by the umpire’s chair. He sat for a few minutes of recovery before resuming.
There were questions about whether his confidence in his body would nosedive, but although Norrie held, the notion proved illusory. The 2020 Olympic champion moved as well as ever, his forehand and serve fierce weapons.
And he broke the Norrie serve at 4-4 and served out for a two-set lead.
It seemed that scenario might repeat itself in the next set at the same stage, but Norrie saved a break point, and the set eventually went into that dramatic tie-break.
Norrie upped his level as the each fought tooth and nail to gain an advantage. On and on it went. The Brit secured FIVE set points and Zverev clinched the match on his SIXTH match point.
It was no wonder the German lifted his arm in triumph and offered his opponent congratulations for a battle well fought.
Cameron Norrie (R) shakes hands with Alexander Zverev following their match
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
