Cameron Norrie bids for place in Wimbledon final: British tennis number one begins semi-final clash against defending champion Novak Djokovic as girlfriend Louise Jacobi watches on from the stands
- British tennis ace Cameron Norrie playing Novak Djokovic today at Wimbledon
- At stake is a place in the Men’s Singles Final against Australian star Nick Kyrgios
- Norrie is fourth British man in Open era to ever reach last four at All England Club
- Tennis star being supported today by his girlfriend Louis Jacobi, who is in stands
British tennis ace Cameron Norrie has arrived on Wimbledon’s Centre Court ahead of the biggest match of his career.
The 26-year-old waved to the crowds – his glamorous textiles designer girlfriend Louise Jacobi among them – as he prepared to compete in his first ever Wimbledon semi-final.
As Britain’s last hope of a Wimbledon glory this year, Norrie has the weight of the country’s expectations on his shoulders.
But he is set for a tough match against Serbian top seed – and six times Wimbledon winner – Novak Djokovic.
Norrie is only the fourth British man in the Open era to reach the last four at the All England Club – after Roger Taylor, Tim Henman and Andy Murray – and the first since Murray in 2016.
Norrie’s profile has sky-rocketed during the tournament, with some fans rechristening the famous Wimbledon hill Norrie Knoll.
And speaking after his victory over Belgium’s David Goffin on Tuesday, Norrie backed himself to defeat Djokovic.
Asked if he can win the match Norrie said: ‘For sure. I think it’s obviously one of the toughest tasks in tennis.
British tennis ace Cameron Norrie has arrived on Wimbledon’s Centre Court ahead of the biggest match of his career
Louise Jacobi, girlfriend of Cameron Norrie, watches semi final match on day twelve of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London.
The 26-year-old star waved to the crowds – his glamorous textiles designer girlfriend Louise Jacobi (pictured) among them – as he prepared to compete in his first ever Wimbledon semi-final
He is set for a tough match against Serbian top seed – and six times Wimbledon winner – Novak Djokovic (pictured) on Centre Court
British fans are ‘nervous’ but ‘very excited’ for Cameron Norrie ahead of Wimbledon semi final
Fans at Wimbledon say they are ‘nervous’ but ‘very excited’ for Cameron Norrie as he heads into the semi-final.
The 26-year-old is set for a tough match against top seed Novak Djokovic on Centre Court on Friday afternoon.
Crowds of people have been lining up in the queue for tickets to the SW19 grounds, with many saying they have come just to cheer on the British number one.
But some said they were disappointed that the semi-final between Australian Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal is not going ahead after the Spaniard pulled out on Thursday due to an abdominal injury.
Jack Manuel, 29, from Streatham, and Harry Mobbs, 28, from London Bridge, said they had come to watch Norrie, adding: ‘Big up the GBR.’
Mr Mobbs said: ‘I’m excited to see what will happen today with (Djokovic) and Norrie.
‘It’s going to be a difficult one though. If he can get the first or even second set, it will be a good game.’
Mr Manuel said: ‘I think it will go either one of two ways, it will be straight sets for (Djokovic) or it will go five and hopefully Norrie will pull through.’
Kelly Paterson, 25, from Zimbabwe, said she is feeling ‘scared’ for Norrie.
‘At least he knows he’s got the whole country rooting for him so that must help,’ she added.
‘I really want him to win the whole thing.’
On Norrie mania among British fans, she said: ‘There’s nothing better than when Brits get fully involved with sporting events and all go crazy.’
Paul Maddicks, 49, from Balham, said he is ‘quite nervous’ for Norrie.
His friend James Vincent-Smith, 44, said: ‘I’d like to think that Norrie has a chance but it could be over quite quickly.’
‘I’d say grass is his favourite surface and his record is unbelievable here at Wimbledon. It’s going to be tough.’
Meanwhile, the semi-final match between Australian Nick Kyrgios and Spaniard Rafael Nadal, which was set to take place on the court afterwards, will now no longer be going ahead.
Fans were ‘devastated’ for Nadal when he pulled out on Thursday evening due to an abdominal injury, giving Kyrgios a walkover into Sunday’s final.
Sinead Goggin, 40, an account manager from Ireland, said: ‘It’s just pure devastation. I’m devastated for him.’
Some also said it was ‘unfair’ that Kyrgios would get to go straight to the final with four days off while Norrie and Djokovic have to play Friday’s semi-final.
Property developer Edmund Johnson, 29, from Wimbledon, said he felt Kyrgios had now ‘been given an advantage’.
Despite the disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal, crowds of people are still expected to flock to the SW19 grounds and queue up for tickets on Friday to cheer on Norrie.
Earlier in the tournament, fans described the British player as ‘mysterious’ but more information has emerged about Norrie in recent days as his profile grows.
His girlfriend Louise Jacobi, 32, opened up about her relationship with ‘easy-going’ Norrie.
When asked about how she was feeling for Norrie’s next game against defending champion Djokovic, Ms Jacobi said: ‘It’s definitely going to be a tough match. But I know he can do it.’
Meanwhile, Norrie’s college coach on Wednesday described the sacrifices the British number one made to become a professional tennis player after a ‘crossroad’ moment when he crashed a moped after drinking.
David Robiti, who was one of his coaches alongside Devin Bowen for ‘The Horned Frogs’ tennis team at TCU, told PA that they had to sit him down and tell him to change his behaviour if he wanted to be a professional player.
Mr Robiti said: ‘What he learned from it was that he missed a big opportunity because of something that happened off court.’
He added: ‘And credit to him, he decided he wanted to be a professional from that moment and his choices were very good.
‘All the success that he is having is due to his work and his decision-making.’
His current coach, Facundo Lugones, also gave fans an insight into how ‘competitive’ the 26-year-old is, spending his time off court playing backgammon and Ludo with his fitness trainer.
On Norrie as a tennis player, Mr Lugones said: ‘You never want to sell Norrie short. He doesn’t get the hype that other players get for similar results.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie in action during his semi final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic
Cameron Norrie reacts during the Gentlemen’s Singles Semi Final against Novak Djokovic
Louise Jacobi, girlfriend of Cameron Norrie, cheers as her boyfriend goes one set up in his game against Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Cameron Norrie of Britain during their men’s semi final match at the Wimbledon Championships in Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie’s secret weapon: How British No.1 is ‘calmed’ by his VERY glamorous textiles designer girlfriend (and even his parents are a fan of her ‘positive impact’)
Supporting the British No.1 courtside is likely his glamorous girlfriend Louise Jacobi, who cheered him on from the stands during his previous match while commanding attention in a bright pink number on Sunday.
New Yorker Louise is a glamorous textiles designer who has worked for Calvin Klein before joining New York-based Please Don’t Touch as a textiles consultant.
She has been by Johannesburg-born Cameron’s side for at least two years, and has been described as a ‘calm, positive impact’ by his British parents.
Cameron gave up his partying, hedonistic lifestyle to be more professional after suffering injuries in a moped crash around six years ago, reported The Times.
While the couple reportedly kept their relationship private initially, they have since gone public on Instagram.
The lithe 20-something now regularly shares pictures on her social media platform with the tennis ace, posting snaps from their romantic getaways – which have included New Zealand, Monaco and Italy.
She is a graduate of the prestigious Central St Martins in London, making it possible the couple met in the capital.
Louise was in the stands in October last year when Cameron became the first Brit to win the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
The couple, who shared a kiss on court, had plenty to celebrate: as well as his new ranking and historic tournament win, Cameron took home an £880,000 cash prize.
It is not known how the couple met but they appear on each other’s Instagram accounts as far back as 2019.
According to the Please Don’t Touch website, Louise is its founder and creative director.
She ‘oversees the entire creative process and strategy’ including sourcing, development and sale of ‘luxury products for interior design brands and fashion houses’.
His family say Louise, who has been by side throughout the championships, has also had a positive impact on him.
She admitted she was so new to tennis when she met Cameron that she barely knew the rules. His parents have warmed to the New Yorker and joined them in his player’s box.
His mother said: ‘She has a calm about her. I think she’s been good for him and they are able to talk about other things away from the court. Cameron is a bright boy and you have got to have other interests in life otherwise you would go mad.’
However, Cameron recently told The Times that there is sometimes tension in his Putney household, because he and Louise disagree over cooking.
‘We get into arguments when we cook,’ Cameron said. ‘Because Louise always wants to follow recipes to the letter while I prefer to wing it and experiment a bit.’
‘But I don’t think he cares about that. If anything, it motivates him to do better and be in these moments more often.’
It comes as fans at Wimbledon say they are ‘nervous’ but ‘very excited’ for Cameron Norrie as he heads into the semi-final.
Crowds of people have been lining up in the queue for tickets to the SW19 grounds, with many saying they have come just to cheer on the British number one.
But some said they were disappointed that the semi-final between Australian Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal is not going ahead after the Spaniard pulled out on Thursday due to an abdominal injury.
Jack Manuel, 29, from Streatham, and Harry Mobbs, 28, from London Bridge, said they had come to watch Norrie, adding: ‘Big up the GBR.’
Mr Mobbs said: ‘I’m excited to see what will happen today with (Djokovic) and Norrie.
‘It’s going to be a difficult one though. If he can get the first or even second set, it will be a good game.’
Mr Manuel said: ‘I think it will go either one of two ways, it will be straight sets for (Djokovic) or it will go five and hopefully Norrie will pull through.’
Kelly Paterson, 25, from Zimbabwe, said she is feeling ‘scared’ for Norrie.
‘At least he knows he’s got the whole country rooting for him so that must help,’ she added.
‘I really want him to win the whole thing.’
On Norrie mania among British fans, she said: ‘There’s nothing better than when Brits get fully involved with sporting events and all go crazy.’
Paul Maddicks, 49, from Balham, said he is ‘quite nervous’ for Norrie.
His friend James Vincent-Smith, 44, said: ‘I’d like to think that Norrie has a chance but it could be over quite quickly.’
Other fans said they are hopeful for the British number one.
Jonty Carr, 24, from Wandsworth, said: ‘I’m quite optimistic actually. He’s playing Djokovic obviously, which is going to be tough.
‘I’m very excited for it. I 100% will be rooting for him. I’m quite confident. He’s been playing so well so far.’
Debbie Baillie, 60, from Bracknell, said: ‘Go Norrie!’
She added: ‘We’re just so excited that we’ve got a Brit in the semi-final. It’s fantastic.
‘He’s really strong and he’s very fit and he’s got some good shots, so I think he’s got a chance.’
Kashmira Naik, 60, from Pinnock, said she is ‘very excited’ to watch the Briton play.
She added: ‘I’m definitely hoping he’ll get to the final but he’s got a very tough match with Novak.
‘He’s been playing really well, I watched his last game and was definitely rooting for him and what a great comeback he has had as well.’
Some fans talked of their disappointment at not being able to see Nadal play Kyrgios.
Anna Carril, 47, from Madrid, said: ‘We’re Spanish – we had the illusion for Rafa but I know it won’t be possible, but we’re excited to be here.
‘I feel sad, I feel inspired by him every time because he’s an example of working hard and try again, try again so it’s inspiring whatever he does.’
Valerie Chua, 49, from Finchampstead, said: ‘I’m in tears. It’s my first Wimbledon and I was really hoping to see Nadal but he’s out.
British tennis ace Cameron Norrie (pictured) has arrived at Wimbledon ahead of the biggest match of his career
Meanwhile, the semi-final match between Australian Nick Kyrgios (pictured) and Spaniard Rafael Nadal, which was set to take place on the court afterwards, will now no longer be going ahead. Fans were ‘devastated’ for Nadal when he pulled out on Thursday evening due to an abdominal injury, giving Kyrgios a walkover into Sunday’s final
‘I’m number one Nadal fan, I’m going to cry, I seriously am gutted.’
Mr Manuel said: ‘I’m disappointed, it’s a shame because I quite like feisty Kyrgios, it would have been a good match to watch.’
Ms Paterson added: ‘It’s a bit bleak, I really wanted Nadal to beat Kyrgios so I’m quite sad and that would have just been such a good game to watch.
‘Nadal is obviously just amazing and Kyrgios with his attitude is so good to watch.’
Celine Leach, 24, from South Africa, said: ‘I’m really sad that Nadal’s had to pull out but to see Norrie play against Djokovic I think will be a really, really exciting match and I think Norrie will probably give Djokovic a good run for his money.
‘I know the Brits are really excited to watch him play, he’s got ties to South Africa so I’m just really keen to see that match.’
The last Brit standing in Wimbledon! How Cameron Norrie, 26, became a tennis champion despite a moped crash that almost scuppered his career… and why he doesn’t own a car (even though he’s worth £3million)
By Inderdeep Baines for the Daily Mail
He appeared calm, Cameron Norrie has the full weight of the nation’s hopes on his shoulders.
The last Briton standing in the championship will face top seed Novak Djokovic in his first ever semi-final appearance at SW19.
And while the 26-year-old British hopeful looked relaxed as he cycled to the All England Club for practice yesterday ahead of his quarter-final match against Belgium David Goffin, he said: ‘It’s always going to be a lot of pressure and a lot of people watching what’s going on.
‘There are a lot of emotions right now, but the tournament’s still going on. So, not satisfied yet and want to keep pushing for more.’
He enjoyed the biggest win of his career on Sunday when he beat American Tommy Paul in straight sets to the delight of the crowd and became the first British man to reach the quarter finals since Sir Andy Murray in 2017.
Relaxed: Cameron Norrie on his bike today ahead of his Wimbledon quarter final tomorrow
Born to British parents in Johannesburg, he first started playing tennis aged four with a cut-down squash racket on an ‘imaginary court’ next to his home.
His mother Helen, 59, a biochemist from Cardiff, said: ‘He wanted to play all the time.’ When he was still a child, the family left South Africa and moved to Auckland, where his mother and Glasgow-born father David – also a biochemist – still live.
They noticed their left-handed son had talent and he went into a coaching programme, reaching the top 10 junior ranking worldwide.
Cameron Norries’s girlfriend Louise Jacobi celebrates his straight sets win on no1 court at the Wimbledon Championship 2022
He eventually switched allegiance to his parents’ homeland and when he was 16 he came alone to the LTA’s national training centre in Roehampton, London.
After three years, he won a scholarship to go Texas Christian College in Fort Worth, Texas, studying sociology alongside his tennis.
But in 2016, a night out at a bar ended with six stitches in his chin after he crashed a moped.
He was axed from the team to play in a second-tier ATP Challenger tournament and was also threatened with expulsion.
This week he described the moment as a ‘turning point’, saying: ‘The coaches kicked me into gear and I was more professional after that. I grew up a lot.’
He went on to become the No 1 ranked US college player before turning professional in 2017.
He made his debut for Britain’s Davis Cup team the next year and in January 2019 he reached his first ATP final. Despite being established in the top 100 singles ranking, however, Norrie was still flying below the radar.
But the suspension of international tours during the pandemic offered him a unique opportunity to put in plenty of hard work.
During three months of seclusion – without the company of his new girlfriend, US textiles consultant Louise Jacobi – the rising star returned to the game with a new sense of purpose.
His family say Miss Jacobi, who has been by side throughout the championships, has also had a positive impact on him. She admitted she was so new to tennis when she met Norrie that she barely knew the rules.
Cam’s mother Helen said he want to play ‘all the time’ when he was younger
His parents have warmed to the New Yorker and joined them in his player’s box today.
His mother said: ‘She has a calm about her. I think she’s been good for him and they are able to talk about other things away from the court. Cameron is a bright boy and you have got to have other interests in life otherwise you would go mad.’
The British No 1 spent an hour on the practice courts at SW19 today after cycling the 10 minutes to the grounds.
Despite being worth around £3million, he said he does not have a car and would rather avoid the traffic by cycling. He told ITV last night it has been great to spend time with his parents, who were unable to leave New Zealand during the pandemic.
But he added that Sunday’s triumph ‘was probably pretty stressful for them’.
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