Australian Open 2025: Cameron Norrie rues luck of draw after Matteo Berrettini defeat - 'Knew what I was in for'

Cameron Norrie has said that he "knew what I was in for" after he was beaten in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open by Matteo Berrettini. The Briton, currently world No. 52, lost in four sets on the Kia Arena to the Italian, who came through 6-7(4) 6-4 6-1 6-3. Berrettini is a former semi-finalist at Melbourne Park, reaching the last four in 2022, but he was unseeded here.

Berrettini battles back to defeat Britain's Norrie - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

Cameron Norrie said that he "knew what I was in for" as he was knocked out by Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Australian Open.

The Briton was beaten in four sets by the Italian, who came through 6-7(4) 6-4 6-1 6-3 on the Kia Arena.

Norrie, now the world No. 52, arrived at Melbourne Park with a couple of wins under his belt in Hong Kong and Auckland, but despite taking the first set, he was comfortably the second best against Berrettini, who racked up a whopping 32 aces.

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Berrettini, unseeded in Melbourne, sets up an intriguing encounter with Holger Rune, the 13th seed, in the second round, after the Dane needed five sets to beat Zhang Zhizhen on Margaret Court Arena.

Norrie arrived in Australia unseeded, and was dealt a tricky hand when his name was pulled out of the hat to face Berrettini, who reached the last four of the Australian Open in 2022.

"I knew what I was in for," Norrie admitted.

"I was expecting that; it was exactly that match. He's a top player. I would have had to have done that, kept the level like I did in the first set for three, four hours at least to have a chance with him. I wasn't able to do it physically. It definitely showed on the scoreline."

Norrie revealed that he had been struggling with illness during his time in New Zealand, where he was dumped out in the round of 32 by Franco Acosta.

"I haven't been able to prepare as well as I could," the Brit said.

"I've been pretty sick in Auckland, then I came here. I barely practised. Honestly, I've been feeling the ball so well, and pre-season was excellent. It was a bit unfortunate with the timing.

"I definitely gave myself the best chance. I just hit the wall after an hour and a bit. I wasn’t able to stay sharp on the court, so it’s a bit disappointing."

Norrie said that when his ranking was higher, he had been taking his seedings at previous Grand Slams "for granted".

Rune made to sweat in five-set win over Zhang - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

"When I was obviously seeded at previous Slams, you kind of take it for granted," he said.

"I was breezing through some first rounds not playing well at all. This time last year, I didn't play well till the third round and played my best tennis. It certainly gives you some leeway to work yourself into the tournament.

"It was a tough draw for both of us. I’ve got to accept that. I think it's where my ranking is right now, it's the truth. I didn't play on hard courts last year.

"I was not fit to compete the whole year. It showed. I think it's nice, a good challenge, to work myself back to that. I don't see any reason why not. I'm very focused on getting back there.

"I put a really good pre-season in and am really looking forward to getting back there, so I think I just have to stay patient. I believe I can do it. I just need to get my health back to 100% and go again."