The 29-year-old Norrie notched a 7-5, 6-4 win over Svajda in his first appearance in Delray Beach since winning the title in 2022. Norrie battled through a contest that swung from one side to another like a pendulum, featuring eight breaks of serve, to eventually seal an 88-minute victory in windy conditions in Florida.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In other first round matches in the event, American sixth seed Brandon Nakashima defeated qualifier James Trotter 7-6(2), 6-1 in 98 minutes. while seventh-seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia beat Borna Gojo of Croatia 6-4, 6-4 in another Round of 32 match. The 25-year-old Serb, who reached the Delray Beach final in 2023, won 86 percent (32\/27) of first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
American Ethan Quinn suffered the disappointment of falling in the final round of qualifying on Sunday. But after getting into the main draw as a lucky loser, the 20-year-old took full advantage of his opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 2023 NCAA singles champion battled past American qualifier Tristan Boyer 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) in three hours and 12 minutes. Quinn saved 12 of the 14 break points he faced to set a showdown with fifth seed Marcos Giron.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fellow American Michael Minoh also advanced by beating Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan 7-5, 7-6(5) in a clash that lasted nearly two hours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But the focus was on Norrie as he returned to the ATP 250 event after a couple of years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m very satisfied, it was my first match outdoors in a while,\u201d said Norrie, who improved to 9-3 in Delray Beach. \u201cI was pretty nervous coming in, not moving my feet that well, but I\u2019m pretty happy with how I finished both of the sets, playing my best level. That\u2019s what counted,\" the Briton was quoted as saying by the ATP.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Norrie is one of four former champions in the Delray Beach field this week, along with Taylor Fritz, Kei Nishikori and Reilly Opelka. The former No. 8 in the PIF ATP Rankings will next face either Arthur Rinderknech or Gabriel Diallo in the second round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m very satisfied, it was my first match outdoors in a while,\u201d said Norrie, who improved to 9-3 in Delray Beach. \u201cI was pretty nervous coming in, not moving my feet that well, but I\u2019m pretty happy with how I finished both of the sets, playing my best level. That\u2019s what counted,\" the Briton was quoted as saying by the ATP.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n