Cameron Norrie’s Australian open participation in jeopardy as wrist injury forces Auckland classic exit
Britain’s world number 19, Cameron Norrie, withdrew from the quarter-final due to a left wrist injury, casting doubt on his fitness just days before the Australian Open.
Top seed Ben Shelton solidifies his form with a commanding victory over Roberto Carballes Baena, advancing to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Norrie’s departure grants Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo a walkover.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin revealed Norrie’s abrupt withdrawal, stating the player woke up with a sore left wrist and, after realizing he couldn’t play during warm-up, rushed to the clinic for a scan.
Lamperin expressed Norrie’s devastation, emphasizing the significance of the Auckland Classic for him. With the Australian Open on the horizon, Norrie seeks clarity on the extent of his injury.
In another quarter-final clash, Shelton, seeded 16th, reached his first semi-final since claiming the Tokyo title last year. He overcame Carballes Baena with strategic breaks in both sets.
Shelton praised his opponent’s speed but highlighted his own resilience in crucial moments.
He is set to face Taro Daniel in the semi-finals, following Daniel’s hard-fought victory against French qualifier Alexandre Muller.
The Auckland Classic unfolds with more anticipation as French teenager Arthur Fils confronts Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, with the winner securing a spot against Tabilo in the last four.
As the tennis world watches, Norrie’s injury adds an unexpected layer of suspense to the Australian Open, set to commence in Melbourne on Sunday.