'A phenomenal achievement' - Andy Murray praises Cameron Norrie after Indian Wells title win

Published 18/10/2021 at 17:42 GMT

Nikoloz Basilashvili was defeated by an impressive comeback win over three sets by Britain's Cameron Norrie at the weekend, with Norrie becoming the first British player to claim the title at Indian Wells. Former British No 1 Andy Murray praised Norrie for his dramatic recent improvement over the course of 2021.

Cameron Norrie of Great Britain celebrates match point against Nikoloz Bsilashvili of Georgia during the final of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells

Image credit: Getty Images

Andy Murray praised compatriot Cameron Norrie as his impressive season form continued with a win at Indian Wells.

The triumph is the first time a Briton has ever claimed the title at the Masters 1000 tournament and has put Norrie in contention to qualify for the ATP Finals.

Speaking ahead of the European Open, Murray admitted he was a little surprised at the 26-year-old’s success.

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“I’d be lying if I said that I called that to be honest,” Murray said.

“However, I have spent a decent amount of time around him and practised with him quite a lot and he works extremely hard.

“I think he’s a great example for not just British players but all tennis players to look at and go, if you put the effort in day in, day out and properly dedicate yourself to the sport, have an attitude like he does, it can take you a long, long way.

“It was obviously a phenomenal achievement last night. But I think maybe the season that he’s having is more impressive than that one week.

“Every week he’s winning matches. He’s played six finals [this season], and this year he’s looking like he’s going to win more matches on the tour than he had in every season that he’d had beforehand combined.”

Norrie is now ranked No 15 in the world after starting his ATP career in 2017, and Murray is impressed how he has moved up the rankings.

“That shows how much of an improvement he has made,” Murray explained.

“I knew he was good. But to be top 20 in the world and pushing for a spot in the tour finals is an incredible effort.”