MIKE DICKSON: Can Norrie catch the Spiderman of tennis in his web? British No 1 has the edge in temperament but Novak Djokovic is an elite returner… here’s how the semi-finalists match up in every department
- Cam Norrie made the Wimbledon semi final after a five set win over David Goffin
- Novak Djokovic has not lost at the tournament since retiring injured in 2017
- Sportsmail has compared Norrie and Djokovic in every department of the sport
British No 1 Cameron Norrie will come up against superstar Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Norrie advanced to the semi final after a thrilling five set win over David Goffin, where the British No 1 twice came from one set down in a terrific display of stamina.
Djokovic also needed five sets to make it through his quarter final but did eventually see off Jannik Sinner.
It’s the biggest match of Cameron Norrie’s life, but can he really upset the reigning champion Novak Djokovic? Let’s look at how they match up…
British No 1 Cameron Norrie will come up against superstar Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals
It’s the biggest match of Norrie’s life, but can he really upset the reigning champion Djokovic?
BACKHAND
Djokovic has a classic two-hander which is especially effective when performing the most difficult task of hitting it down the line.
For Norrie, it is his signature stroke, a highly unusual but reliable weapon which is comparable only to that of French player Adrian Mannarino.
It is an elaborate bunt with little spin, but its direction is difficult to pick, whether going down the line or cross court. He can manipulate it to get a low bounce.
As his coach Facundo Lagones pointed out: ‘When you have that shot going to the forehand, you can rush them, keep the ball really low and hard, it’s really uncomfortable for most players because they’re not used to it. It’s almost unique.’ There are slight shades of Jimmy Connors here.
Djokovic 5 out of 5 v Norrie 4.5
Serbian Djokovic come out on top when comparing his backhand to British star Norrie
FOREHAND
The Serb’s forehand is not one of the blockbusters on the ATP Tour, but it is delivered with superb timing and rarely breaks down. He is the great all-rounder.
Norrie has improved this shot, which used to have a loopier trajectory, in sharp and useful contrast to his backhand.
On the grass he is trying to hit it harder and flatter, and likes to finish points by smacking it down the line.
However, it was misfiring and going long during the periods he struggled against David Goffin, and he has to hope it proves more reliable on Friday afternoon.
Djokovic 4.5 v Norrie 4
Cameron Norrie also falls short against Djokovic in the forehand comparison ahead of the tie
SERVE
Again, Djokovic is not likely to blow opponents away with his serve, the action of which he slightly changed after suffering elbow problems three years ago.
But he is extremely accurate with it and very skilled at hitting the precise spots he is aiming at.
This is another area where Norrie has improved although, as with a lot of his game, it is not a thing of beauty with a certain amount of stop-start in the motion.
Their stats on serve in this tournament are very similar, and neither would be described as an ace machine.
Djokovic 4.5 v Norrie 4
Reigning champion Djokovic also just edges the serve category of the comparison with Norrie
RETURN
Djokovic is one of the greatest returners ever. He sees the ball early and is aided by having great footwork, which shows little sign of slowing down at 35.
He is extremely compact with a smooth swing path, allowing him to handle anything thrown at him.
Norrie is no slouch on the return either and more agile than it first appears. It is yet another shot which he has improved.
Djokovic 5 v Norrie 4
FITNESS & ATHLETICISM
The defending champion is the Spiderman of tennis — one of the finest athletes that the sport has ever seen.
His wiry frame and flexibility are tailor-made. He can slide on any surface and, from an opponent’s point of view, he can reach a demoralising number of balls.
Norrie is a deceptively good mover and physically very strong.
His engine is renowned on tour and he can finish a match in the same shape to how he starts it.
Djokovic 5 v Norrie 4.5
Djokovic’s engine is renowned on tour and he can finish a match in the same shape he starts it
TEMPERAMENT
While as tough as they come, there have been signs this season that Djokovic’s confidence has been dented by the events of Australia in January, which was not just draining but stopped him banking his usual early wins.
He will have been pleasantly surprised by the reception he has been given by Centre Court after the controversy which has dogged him, and possibly by the favourable scheduling he has been given.
However, he can react both positively and negatively when faced with hostility, which he is likely to experience playing a Brit.
Norrie is unflappable and able to sustain high concentration levels. He has probably played just enough big matches for the occasion not to get to him.
Djokovic 4.5 v Norrie 5
Norrie comes out on top in one category and that is for temperament due to being unflappable
NOUS & EXPERIENCE
Like all great players, Djokovic is brilliant at finding a way to win, including being shameless in taking tactical toilet breaks.
He knows how to carve opponents open and how to exploit any weaknesses. It is notable that since 2014 he has only been beaten once in a Grand Slam semi-final, and this will be his 95th match at Wimbledon.
The circumstances of this clash are unique in that he desperately needs to win the title to keep in touch with Rafa Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles.
Especially as it looks unlikely that he will be permitted to play at the US Open while he remains stubbornly unvaccinated.
This is uncharted territory for Norrie, who in terms of tactics can be slightly predictable as he has fairly set patterns of play that he prefers.
Although not one for massively engaging with the crowd, it might help him.
Djokovic 5 v Norrie 4
A Wimbledon semi-final is uncharted territory for Cameron Norrie, unlike Novak Djokovic
TOTAL:
Djokovic 33.5 Norrie 30
Start: 1.30pm, Centre Court.
TV and radio: LIVE on BBC1 from 12.30pm and BBC 5 Live from 1pm.
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