It was not until the Miami Open three months ago that Cameron Norrie truly understood that his entire approach to his career needed to change. Although the 29-year-old had once established himself as one of the best players in the world, reaching world No 8, his results and ranking were in freefall. Already out of the top 80 for the first time in six years, he was brushed aside in straight sets in the first round by the unheralded Bu Yunchaokete.
Despite how hard he tried, Norrie could not pin down the root of his struggles. On and off the court, he continued to work tirelessly and he felt he was striking the ball better than he ever had. Still, he kept on losing.
