Cameron Norrie dreaming of Wimbledon re-run despite ‘tough draw’

“Watching my run to the semi-finals – I watched my match with Goffin with my coach – just seeing the way I was hitting the ball, I was very calm. I think it’s just about trying to do the basics really well.”

Norrie’s dream of matching compatriot Andy Murray’s feat of winning Wimbledon was thwarted then by Novak Djokovic despite taking the opening set off the eventual trophy winner.

This time, Norrie realises he has been handed “a tough draw” and, before he even contemplates a possible showdown with Draper never mind another semi-final, has to “focus on” beating improving fellow left-hander Facundo Diaz Acosta on Tuesday.

The South Africa-born son of a Glaswegian father and Welsh mother already has an insight into his 23-year-old opponent considering his coach, Facundo Lugones, is a fellow Argentine.

Norrie also came through a close encounter against the current world number 45 at last year’s Argentina Open, but only thanks to a final-set tie break.

“Acosta has won a lot this year, he’s very confident and I had a very close match with him last year in Buenos Aires,” he pointed out to BBC Sport.

“He’s a really good up-and-coming player, he’s had a great year so far and he’s going to be really hungry to play me, especially here at Wimbledon.”

Norrie knows all about the added pressure of being a British hope at Wimbledon, but he feels “pretty relaxed” with his parents and partner having joined him in London – and within cycling distance of the All England Club.

“Obviously it’s frustrating not to have a few more wins as that gives you a bit more confidence, but the training’s been really good,” he added.

“Sometimes you can be feeling awful on the practice court and then suddenly you are getting wins right, left and centre.

“That’s just sport and having the ability to brush it off and go again. All these tough losses I’m having are making me want it even more to get back to my best.”