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World number one Daniil Medvedev was defeated by Cameron Norrie in the opening round of French Open 2025 following a five-set marathon in Paris held on May 27. The British player recorded figures of 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 to win the first-round contest. Norrie, whose previous season got hampered due to injuries, looked fierce to snatch the victory from the Russian. It is his maiden victory over a top 20 player since the Australian Open 2024. Besides that, it is also his first success against Medvedev after their five encounters.
"Crazy match. He’s so tough to beat. I think I deserve a diploma for beating him. He’s gotten me the last 5 times," said Norrie while addressing the spectators following the match. The British player made a magnificent comeback after trailing in the opening set by 3-1. He struck with his trademark forehand winners to serve better than his Russian counterpart, who looked frail in the contest. After winning the first two sets, Norrie’s win looked easy but Medvedev refused to capitulate and made a comeback by clinching victory in the next two sets.
Cameron Norrie snatched momentum from Norrie in the final set
In the final set, Daniil Medevedev looked dominating as he was serving for the match with 5-4 figures, However, he collapsed in the crunch situation which gave his opponent the chance to hit him back. Norrie’s courage in the crunch situation helped him to taste success eventually.
Medvedev has struggled thus far this season. Before his first-round elimination from Roland Garros, he also recorded failure in the Australian Open, where he exited in the second round following the loss against the United States’ (US) Learner Tien.
