Norrie stuns Dellien at Rio Open and reach his third semi-final of the season

Cameron Norrie fought with Hugo Dellien on the clay to get into the final four at ATP 500 Rio Open.

Hugo Dellien is one of the regular players in South American tournaments, and a specialist on clay. The Bolivian is currently number 111 in the ATP ranking, but on clay he is a more than respectable player. In fact, he defeated Dominic Thiem in the last French Open and Holger Rune in Rome. This week he edged past Joao Sousa with just two games conceded and came from behind in the Round of 16 duel against Alex Molcan.

Cameron Norrie lost last week's Argentina Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, and this week he passed the first two rounds without problems against Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Thiago Monteiro. Although the British's best results have been on hard, he has shown good game in clay and already has a title on that surface (Lyon 2022).

In the first set, Dellien hit a quick break in the third game, the only break point so far, and it was enough to take advantage in the match by 6-4. However, the Bolivian was much better server with 84% first serve, winning 81%.

The British raised the level in the second set and began to dominate the game due to a great defense and a strong forehand that Dellien couldn’t deal. With three breaks in favor, the former Indian Wells champion takes second set 6-1.

Norrie showed his category in the third set and although Dellien struggle to stay in the match, world No. 13 only needed one break to secure her place in the semifinals of Brazil, with a final score of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. With a record of 11-3 this season, the lefthanded will face Spaniard Bernabé Zapata Miralles in order to achieve his third final in 2023.