Cameron Norrie created more surprises at the ATP Montreal Masters on Thursday by saving a match point and overcoming Alex de Minaur with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6, 6-1.
Event Context
The victorious British player overcame a set deficit and a double break against Australia’s third seed in a thrilling match that lasted nearly three hours.
This tournament has already seen notable early departures, including top seed Alexander Zverev, who exited due to injury, while Canadian second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also withdrew. Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev faced an early loss as well.
Additionally, the US Open warm-up hardcourt event has been affected by the absence of world number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Following this outcome, fifth-seed Ben Shelton emerges as the new frontrunner heading into the fourth round.
Norrie reflected on the tough victory, stating, “It was a great match to win and test my level. I can take so much confidence from this one. The level was so high in the first set; he came out aggressively, and I had to respond. Alex fought hard and took the first set, but he eased off just a bit in the second. I focused on battling through each point and ended up taking the third set 6-1. I feel fortunate and will take this forward.”
De Minaur, who was the runner-up in Canada three years ago to Sinner, initially established a 4-1 lead in the first set and claimed it by winning six out of seven games.
Norrie began reversing the momentum in the second set, leveling the match with a successful tiebreak before decisively winning the third set. He secured his match point 62 minutes after de Minaur missed his chance to win the second set.
Fils is set to compete in his fourth Masters 1000 round of 16 this season after achieving his 25th victory in 2026.
Luciano Darderi bounced back from a first-set loss to defeat China’s Shang Juncheng with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, marking his 30th win this season. Darderi now advances to face Nuno Borges in the quarter-finals after Borges triumphed over German Yannick Hanfmann with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
Player Focus
Ranked 44th, Argentine player Navone faced his 22nd defeat against a top-30 opponent. Fils secured victory on his second match point, showcasing resilience despite tallying 30 unforced errors. His strong serving performance featured four aces and four breaks of Navone’s serve.
With no top five players remaining in the dwindled draw, opportunities are widening for the remaining competitors in French-speaking Canada.
“I aim to give my best every day,” Fils expressed. “I’ve gone through a challenging period with many injuries. However, I truly enjoy being back on the big stage; it means a lot to me. Still, I feel no pressure.”
Match Outlook
De Minaur, who was the highest-ranked player left in a reduced draw, had an opportunity to secure the match in straight sets when he faced a match point in the eighth game of the second set.
Norrie is set to face Arthur Fils next, following the Frenchman’s victory over Mariano Navone with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This win marks a noteworthy comeback for Fils, who had been sidelined for several months starting last year and extending into February.
The 24th-ranked Norrie commented, “I couldn’t find my serve during the warm-up, but I eventually found my rhythm in the match and aimed for some good spots.”
– ‘I enjoy being back’
