WHAT HAPPENED: Bounced from the US Open in the fourth round last year, Cameron Norrie's attempt to return to the last 16 this year was stylishly plucked from him by youngster Matteo Arnaldi on Court 17 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Arnaldi, currently ranked a career-high No. 61 and making the first main-draw appearance of his career at the Open, defeated the Briton in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.
Both players consistently held serve in the first set—until the seventh game when the Arnaldi show turned on. Norrie’s all-court game was stifled repeatedly by Arnaldi’s variety, which was assisted by a standout level of feel for the ball that produced playful short angles and unexpected drop shots. Arnaldi broke Norrie in a 40-0 game, winning the first set at a comfortable 6-3.
Arnaldi was also, to put it simply, everywhere. In a near split, he slid towards the corners Norrie hit with his lefty spin, getting his racquet on most overhead smashes—and slapping somewhat jaw-dropping winners on the sprint, off of would-be winners, that passed his opponent’s charge of the net.
Light on his feet, Arnaldi skipped into the second set, and continued to show his dexterity for the court—and yellow fuzzy ball. Soon, spectators and Norrie alike learned of Arnaldi’s unmissable flair for the defensive lob winner, which delighted the crowd and left Norrie puzzled. Arnaldi blocked the Brit from a path to getting even, and he stole the second 6-4.
The final set of the match ended at 6-3—and the stats reflect what made the difference. Norrie’s unforced error count almost doubled Arnaldi's, and it was the break point conversions and saves on the Italian’s side of the court that gave him the final edge: He won five out of six break points on his plate, while Norrie only snatched one. Bellissimo, Matteo.
WHAT IT MEANS: The win catapults Arnaldi into Round 4 of the US Open—which is his best showing at any Grand Slam in his young career to date. This year's US Open is just the third major the Italian has ever played, and he has a certain affinity for the venue.
“I’ve always liked this place and played very well here—from when I was a junior. I have a lot of friends here. So it was fun,” he says about competing in Flushing Meadows.
MATCH POINT: Arnaldi will get the chance to test his athleticism and tenacity against the world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, in Round 4 of his inspiring win-streak. The two have never met before, but a match against the toughest opponent of his career is what he’s wanted since the beginning.
“When I saw the draw, that was my goal, to play against [Alcaraz]," Arnaldi said. "But I’ve never played a world No. 1. It’s crazy to think about where I was at the start of the year and where I am now. ... He’s very physical and I think I’m a bit physical. So I hope it’s going to be a good match—a really intense match."
With a laugh, he added: "Playing on Arthur Ashe or Louis Armstrong will be a first for me, so there will be emotions at the start, but I’ll think about it tomorrow."
