Greg Rusedski makes exciting Emma Raducanu claim after Cameron Norrie wins Indian Wells

Emma Raducanu reacts to messages from the royal family

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Greg Rusedski heaped praise on Cameron Norrie after his Indian Wells win propelled him ever closer to the world’s top 10 in another bright moment for British tennis. Norrie became the first Brit to ever win the BNP Paribas Open as he came from behind to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-4 6-1 in an hour and 49 minutes and was even down 3-1 in the second set before storming back.

Norrie had become the first Brit to reach the final of one of the ATP’s nine elite Masters 1000 events since Andy Murray won in Paris back in 2016.

His success followed the dramatic brilliance of Emma Raducanu in the US Open recently, when the teenager became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the sport’s history as she claimed her first career title.

After winning the Flushing Meadows tournament, Raducanu flew from world number 150 to 22 and became the British number one in the process.

Norrie is now the men’s British number one – and Rusedski is thrilled to see the improvements domestic tennis have made after struggling as Andy Murray’s career draws to a close.

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“What an incredible performance. He was down and out for a set and half but found a way to turn it around,” Rusedski said.

“It’s great to finally see a British player win this title in Indian Wells. What a moment. I couldn’t be more thrilled for him, he’s such a pro.

“It was the 5-4 game in the second set when everything turned around. He played two of the best points and went from strength to strength. In the final set Basilashvili made all of the unforced errors. Cam refused to miss and definitely deserves this title.

“It’s incredible to think what just happened. We were all wondering what would happen when Andy Murray finished, but we could have a top 10 player by the end of the season and then you have (Emma) Raducanu winning the US Open. 

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“It doesn’t get much better than this.”

With the win, Norrie became the fourth player ranked outside the top 25 to win the BNP Paribas Open since it moved to Indian Wells in 1987, following Jim Courier (1991), Alex Corretja (2000), and Ivan Ljubicic (2010).

All four players were ranked at number 26 when they claimed their respective triumphs.

Tim Henman echoed the sentiment of Rusedski as he hailed the impressive Norrie and even suggested the 26-year-old could sneak into the world’s top 10.

“If you look at the points he’s been accumulating, top 10 is realistic,” said Henman.

“He’s 16 in the rankings now, but in the race he’s knocking on the door of the top 10, especially if he can play well at a couple of indoor tournaments. It emphasises the importance of Paris (Masters) at the end of the year with 1000 points up for grabs. It’s amazing that Cam could be a top 10 player at some stage.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement. It’s just reward for all the hard work. Turin is now a realistic opportunity. 

“He’s a fantastic role model. He puts in the work and maximises his potential.”

The 2022 Australian Open will take place between January 17-30.

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