Tim Henman says that he needs to take risks when he plays Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals.
The ninth seed, Norrie, will face the defending champion on Centre Court.
He had never made it past the third round of a Grand Slam.
There are two horses in the race. "Djokano is the heavy favorite but Cam's always got a chance."
"We've seen these upsets in the past and we're hoping that Cam can provide one of the biggest upsets."
The winner of the tournament will face the loser of the other semifinal on Sunday.
In April, Norrie reached the top 10 in the world, having won two titles this year, while the top seed is trying to win his seventh Wimbledon title.
When he was captain of the Great Britain team, Tim Henman had Norrie on the squad.
Norrie was ranked 52 in the world and hadn't won an title on the tour. He has won four tournaments since the beginning of the year.
He was progressing in the right direction according to Henman. I wouldn't have believed you if you said that he would win multiple times on tour, win a Masters 1000, and then be in the Wimbledon semifinals.
I think that is a testament to his work ethic. His belief has improved. He has not been past the third round of a Slam since he became a top 10 player. It's a big chance for him.
The former world number four says that Norrie is a great role model for the younger players because of how he has worked to make the most of his talent
He said that success is about maximizing your potential. There is no doubt that Cam is maximizing his potential.
The Britons and the Serbs had to come through five-set matches, with the Serb coming back from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner.
Norrie's "awkward" game and "relentless" approach can cause problems, according to Henman.
He said that he has a variety in his serve, a heavy topspin forehand and an effective backhand, and that he is a left-handed player.
You throw in his movement. He makes few unforced errors from the back of the court. He is a difficult customer to play against.
"Djokan is the best grass-court player in the world without Roger being here." I think it's the most difficult thing to do at Wimbledon.
Norrie has to take risk. He needs to look to be aggressive because we know that he has the same qualities. It's the toughest test on a grass court, but Cam has nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
After making the Wimbledon semi-finals in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002, he lost to Pete Sampras over four sets in the first two and then to Goran Ivanisevic in a five-set marathon.
When faced with Sampras, who won seven Wimbledon titles, Henman said he backed himself and that it was important that Norrie did the same.
It was the most intense match of my life at that stage because we hadn't had a British player in the semis in the men's since 1973.
I backed myself, even though I was the favorite. These were good conditions for me to play tennis in. I had 100% faith in my ability to win that match because it was my favourite court to play on. Even though it's the toughest test on a grass court, it's important that Cam has that belief.
If Norrie goes to the Centre Court on Friday, he will have a better chance.
The crowd is one of the elements that Cam has to use.
It can give him a boost, but it can also get under his skin. An important 12th man for Norrie will be that man.
What would he say to Norrie?
Henman told them to embrace the occasion. To be in a Slam semi, playing at home at Centre Court at Wimbledon, go out there and enjoy it, and believe that you can do it.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
