Norrie through in four sets against Czech Machac

Cameron Norrie (12) bt Tomas Machac 6-3/4-6/6-1/6-4.

By Charlie Stong on Court No.1

British number one Cameron Norrie is into the second round at Wimbledon after a four-set win against Czech Tomas Machac.

Norrie, the number 12 seed, won 6-3/4-6/6-1/6-4 to brighten up one of the wettest days the All England Club has seen in recent years.

Play on the outside courts was abandoned for the day at around 6pm, with just over an hour’s play possible all day on the uncovered surfaces.

But Norrie will be thankful to the Court No.1 roof, which allowed him to complete his match late in the evening here in just over two-and-a-half-hours.

Norrie won the first set 6-4, twice breaking the Czech No.2, who is yet to win a match at a Grand Slam. A lovely forehand pick-up from Norrie in the fifth game set up three break points, which were converted when Machac netted.

Norrie produced a brilliant double-handed backhand to take a 5-3 lead, then brought up three set points with a fine forehand passing shot.

Machac saved two of them, but a deep Norrie forehand forced Machac to net to hand the Brit the opening set.

Machac saved two break points in the second game of the second set, then broke Norrie for the first time with a wonderful forehand pass.

The set then got rather scrappy, Machac hitting forehands wide and long to hand Norrie a break back for 3-3, Norrie passing the initiative straight back to the Czech by hitting a volley into the net.

Machac then produced some big serving to hold his next two service games relatively comfortably to level things at one set all.

But neither player, it seemed, wanted to take the match by the scruff of the neck, Machac immediately handing a chance of a break to the Brit in his first service game of the next set – an opportunity Norrie grabbed with both hands when he forced Machac to net after a fierce cross court shot.

Norrie’s serve was at its best by now and he soon moved into a 4-1 lead in the set. And it was all but confirmed with a second Norrie break to make it 5-1, Machac appearing to get cramp in his hand at the critical moment on break point, surrendering the game.

Norrie served out for 6-1, and a two sets to one lead.

Machac broke first in the fourth set, Norrie hitting a forehand long on the crucial point.

But the Brit hit back immediately – and had opportunities to gain a second break at 2-2, producing some scintillating tennis, including a breathtaking return of serve, and fine forehand down the line, but Machac held for 3-2.

But Norrie was by now producing his best tennis of the match. A superb forehand down the line was followed by an ace, and a hold of serve to make it 3-3.

Machac saved two break points in the next game to make it 4-3, but by now was clinging on to his service by the skin of his teeth.

Norrie was then forced to save break points himself, eventually serving out for 4-4.

An unbelievable slice of luck for Norrie, who completely mishit a return winner, brought up two break points, and although Machac saved the first, his volley into the net at 30-40 handed Norrie the vital break at 5-4.

And Norrie held his nerve to take the set 6-4, and with it the match.

Pictured top: Cameron Norrie v Tomas Machac on Court No.1 (Picture: Charlie Stong)