He was born in South Africa to a Scottish father and Welsh mother, grew up in Auckland and for a while represented New Zealand.
But at Wimbledon last night Cameron Norrie was indisputably the pride of Britain as he planted a Union Jack firmly into the last 16 of these championships. Like Heather Watson in the women’s singles hours earlier, Norrie powered to a straight sets win, outclassing America’s Steve Johnson to make it a day to remember for the home nation.
It is the first time a Briton has been in round four of the men's singles draw in five years.
"It feels really good, especially here at Wimbledon, at home,” said Norrie, who switched allegiance to Britain nine years ago.
“It’s my first time in the second week of a Grand Slam and I couldn't be happier, especially with all my friends and family watching me. I want to keep going and keep ticking all boxes. I've peaked at the right time. I’m as ready as I can be.”
The reward for blowing away the world No.93 6-4 6-1 6-0 is another American, Norrie's good friend and some time practise partner Tommy Paul.
"It's going to be a battle for sure," said the Brit. "I always have a battle with him."
But Pat Cash, Wimbledon champion turned pundit, insisted: "Norrie looks ready. He's played the biggest players over the last 18 months and he's been beating them.”
His performance yesterday certainly brought joy to fans still processing the disappointment of Sir Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu’s early exits.
He did nothing spectacular but covered every inch of grass and preyed on the many mistakes of Johnson, sealing victory in style with an ace.
Asked for the secret of his success Norrie was interrupted by a cry of “Weetabix” from an over-excited spectator. “Maybe a combination of that!” he laughed, “enjoying playing at this level, the process and enjoying improving with my coach and my team."
On ranking Norrie did what was expected of him. Seeded nine in the draw and 12 in the global order, he was the class act on show. But a unique pressure comes with carrying the home flag at Wimbledon and while he had won tournaments on the ATP Tour, he had never gone this deep in a major.
Last year was closest, losing in four to Roger Federer, the fifth time in seven slams he had reached the third round. But making the second week is uncharted territory.
"Norrie, Norrie, Norrie.. Oi, oi, oi," roared the crowd, not that Norrie needed additional help when Johnson served up eight double faults and 43 unforced errors.
"In one of the biggest matches of my career I was very, very relaxed," he confirmed. "I had a great opportunity today and managed to play the level that I wanted to. It was fun out there."
