Norrie Falls to Berrettini in Thrilling Vienna Open Encounter

Cameron Norrie’s aspirations for his first ATP Tour quarter-final since Wimbledon were thwarted by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Norrie, ranked 14th in the world, faced a tough challenge in the last 16, succumbing to Berrettini with a score of 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (11-9), 6-4 after a grueling three hours and 16 minutes of play.

The match started promisingly for Norrie, who had a chance to take a commanding lead at 5-1 in the opening set. However, he was unable to convert those opportunities, ultimately losing the set in a tie-break. Norrie showcased resilience in the second set, saving a match point during another tie-break, allowing him to push the match into a decisive third set. Despite his efforts, Berrettini’s experience prevailed, culminating in his victory.

Berrettini Moves Forward in Vienna

With this win, Berrettini advances to face Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals. De Minaur secured his spot by defeating home wild card Filip Misolic 6-4, 6-4 earlier in the day. Meanwhile, world number two and tournament top seed Jannik Sinner was scheduled to play fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli later on Thursday. Should Sinner win, he will meet either Alexander Bublik or Francisco Cerundolo in the next round.

Britain’s Jack Draper, who claimed the Erste Bank Open title in 2024 by defeating Karen Khachanov for his first ATP 500 crown, is currently sidelined with an arm injury. Draper’s absence is notable as he was a rising star in the tournament’s previous installment.

Saudi Arabia to Host Future Masters 1000 Event

In a significant development for the sport, it was announced that Saudi Arabia is set to host a new Masters 1000 event, likely starting in 2028. This move reflects the country’s growing influence in tennis, which has already included hosting the WTA Finals, the Next Gen ATP Finals, and the Six Kings Slam. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has secured sponsorship deals encompassing the ATP and WTA rankings, as well as the WTA’s maternity programme.

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi commented on the upcoming tournament, stating, “They’re really amazing and I think they’re going to raise the bar in terms of both player experience and fan experience. This is a proud moment for us and the result of a journey that’s been years in the making. Saudi Arabia has shown a genuine commitment to tennis, not just at the professional level, but also in growing the game more broadly at all levels.”

The introduction of Saudi Arabia into the existing lineup of nine Masters 1000 tournaments, which includes prestigious events in cities like Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris, marks a new chapter for the sport. As tennis continues to evolve globally, the upcoming years promise exciting developments for fans and players alike.