Norrie came into the Championships at the All England Club knowing all the scrutiny was on compatriot Draper, seeded fourth.
That could be a contributing factor as to why Norrie said he is enjoying his tennis “more than ever” with less of the pressure that comes with being British number one.
That, and the chance to play free-flowing tennis after a turbulent period – he was ranked as low as 91 in April, having been inside the world’s top 10 three years ago.
With Draper out, the crowd on Court One were suitably fired up to support the last remaining home player in the men’s draw, although they did not have much to shout about in the opening exchanges as Bellucci immediately broke to love.
Norrie almost secured an instant break back but an enthusiastic Bellucci put up staunch resistance to consolidate his advantage.
When the break back did eventually come in the eighth game, the crowd were only too willing to join in with Norrie’s celebrations before rising to their feet again after a stunning backhand winner helped him seal a tightly contested tie-break.
The gusto that had carried Bellucci through the first set faded in the second as the error count began to creep up and Norrie took full advantage.
The pair exchanged breaks in the second set but, when Norrie moved ahead in the seventh game, Bellucci could find no response and the Briton took the set with his second opportunity.
Norrie again found the early break in the third set with a stunning forehand winner down the line before pushing further ahead with a glorious drop shot to take the double break.
Bellucci rediscovered some momentum to deny Norrie’s first attempt to serve out the set but the Briton saw his opportunity in the next game and sealed the win before being serenaded by the Court One crowd.
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 30/08/2026 04:43 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)