Jack Draper shares what his relationship with Cam Norrie actually is like ahead of Wimbledon second round match

Follow us on Google Discover

The homegrown British prospects of Jack Draper and Cam Norrie have got off to a flying start at Wimbledon 2024.

Jack Draper’s Wimbledon campaign got off to a somewhat nervy start as a late court change and a plucky opponent in Sweden’s Elias Ymer forced an eventual five-set victory 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

On the day Andy Murray bid a wounded farewell to his singles career at Wimbledon, the new British No. 1 was firmly handed the torch and to a rowdy Centre Court crowd, tasked to fill the Murray-shaped void.

The 22-year-old will now face compatriot Cam Norrie in the second round after he defeated Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-5 7-5 6-3 in his tournament opener.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2024

What did Draper say his relationship with Norrie is actually like?

Speaking in his press conference after the match via the official Wimbledon website, Draper was quizzed on his relationship with his fellow British lefty and former Wimbledon semi-finalist.

Draper said: “We have huge respect for each other. We have practiced together so many times and been a part of the Davis Cup together. 

“I wouldn’t say we are extremely close, but we definitely support each other and have a great relationship. I think it’s going to be an interesting matchup against him.

“We know each other’s games and know each other personally so it’s going to be a tough match and bring out a really good level as we know each other well.”

This second-round matchup is not the only all-British affair taking place on Thursday with Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart also going head-to-head.

Is Jack Draper the favorite to win against Norrie?

A glittering grass-court season has seen Draper sweep up his maiden ATP Tour title in Stuttgart after beating former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.

Despite Draper’s recent surge in form, he has lost to Norrie in both previous meetings including a straight sets defeat at Queen’s in the quarter-final three years ago.

However, with Draper seven years his compatriot’s junior and in the very early stages of his career last time the pair met, Draper has the superior grass-court form heading into Thursday’s spicy affair.