Cameron Norrie admits there's 'no greater challenge in tennis' ahead of Novak Djokovic showdown in Davis Cup
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Updated 22/11/2023 at 17:40 GMT
Cameron Norrie admits there's "no greater challenge in tennis" than trying to beat Novak Djokovic. The pair will come face-to-face in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga on Thursday as Great Britain take on Serbia. Djokovic, who has won each of the three previous meetings between the two, comes into the event fresh from winning the ATP Finals, whereas Norrie hasn't played since October.
Djokovic: When Sinner and Alcaraz 'start to kick my butt' I'll consider retirement
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie admits there's "no greater challenge in tennis" than trying to beat Novak Djokovic, as the pair prepare to go head-to-head in the Davis Cup.
The 28-year old has lost each of his three previous meetings with the world No. 1, most recently a comfortable 6-3 6-4 defeat in the fourth round of the Italian Open in Rome in May.
They will renew rivalries in Malaga on Thursday, where Team GB have been drawn to face Serbia in the quarter-finals of the event they last won in 2015.
It could barely be a tougher draw for Norrie, given Djokovic heads into the tie fresh from winning a record seventh ATP Finals title, but he says preparations for the clash have gone well.
"He's had an unbelievable year and he's in huge form at the moment," said the Brit. "He looked very fresh compared to a lot of the other players in the Tour Finals.
"The way he served is unbelievable, especially against [Jannik] Sinner in the final. There's no greater challenge in tennis at the moment than to go out and play him.
"I've known for the last month that I'll be playing him, so I've been preparing as well as I can.
"I've done a lot of two on ones and a lot of running from side to side, and I'll have to do that again to have a chance. I think I just need to go out and be myself."
Norrie 'excited to get going'
It's eight years since Britain last won the Davis Cup, emotionally beating Belgium on clay in Ghent.
However, Leon Smith's team has been ravaged by injury ahead of this tie, with Joe Salisbury and Liam Broady called into the squad after Andy Murray and Dan Evans had to withdraw due to shoulder and calf problems respectively.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is joined by world No. 33 Laslo Djere, as well as Dusan Lajovic, Miomir Kecmanovic and Hamad Mededovic as Serbia attempt to lift the title for the first time since 2010.
"What a way to finish the year," Norrie continued. "It' been such a long ride already, starting in Colombia in February and playing so many matches throughout the year.
"I've had to change my schedule towards the end of the year to make sure I was available to play. It was a big priority for me. It's a big match and a big challenge and I'm excited to get going.
"It's been a really good preparation for me. It's nice to be back with the team. The support staff have been unbelievable. We're all excited and it's really special to be part of the team."
Meanwhile, Norrie is hoping to count on the support of an army of travelling fans, with up to 5,000 British supporters expected to make themselves heard in Malaga.
The Palacio de Deportes Martin Carpena is a near sell-out for the event, as Team GB and Serbia attempt to book their spot in the last-four, where either Italy or the Netherlands await.
"I went yesterday and did some signatures with Jack Draper," added Norrie. "There were so many people out in the sun, drinking some beers, which was nice to see.
"I think it's going to be a big turn out for the Brits. Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about. It's a pretty big holiday destination for Brits, so I can see a lot of them turning out.
"We'll use it to our advantage, and all of us are excited to be playing amongst that. We all like to be playing with that atmosphere, especially in a Davis Cup quarter-finals. It's a big match."
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