ATP Masters Indian Wells: Frances Tiafoe after defeating Norrie in the semifinals
The first semi-finalist at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event is Frances Tiafoe. The American showed a very strong performance against Cameron Norrie and won in two sets.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Mar 15, 2023, 08:56 pm
Frances Tiafoe will not have been particularly satisfied with his 2023 season so far. If the American youngster had shown really strong performances at the end of last year - above all with the semi-finals at the US Open - the 25-year-old was still waiting this calendar year for his first entry into a semi-final at ATP level. This wait is over, at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event, Tiafoe is in the semifinals after a convincing two-set win over Cameron Norrie.
The Brit Norrie went into this encounter with a lot of self-confidence. The 27-year-old, unbeaten since losing the final at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 event, traveled to the United States with the confidence of winning the Rio de Janeiro ATP 500 event. And was able to make a name for himself in California with a clear two-set win over Andrey Rublev. Tiafoe, on the other hand, also benefited from a favorite dying in his quarter - not having to knock out a seeded player on the way to the quarter-finals.
Tiafoe with good performance
Tiafoe got into the game better against Cameron Norrie - which had to be interrupted for a few minutes after just a few points due to the onset of rain. But then the 25-year-old secured the first break of the game and, thanks to a concentrated serve, secured the first section 6: 4.
Round two continued in the same key: Tiafoe was again able to quickly secure a service game from his opponent - but this time he immediately struck back. Because Tiafoe got a little too wild, the 25-year-old had to give up his early break immediately and then ran after Norrie, who was serving. However, the American didn't do this for long: the 25-year-old again secured a service game against Norries to make it 3: 2, followed by another break and pulled away to 5: 2.
Although Tiafoe had to stretch again, Norrie only managed one break back - in the end the American made the 6: 4 and 6: 4 success perfect with his own serve. For the 25-year-old it is the first entry into a semi-final at the ATP Masters 1000 level. And that in front of a home crowd.