sport news Cam Norrie and Heather Watson are the last Brits left as Centre Court prepares ... trends now
The Centre Court will celebrate its 100th anniversary this afternoon on what will be Wimbledon’s first-ever official middle Sunday.
Past champions will be out in force for a lunchtime ceremony before those aspiring to win that future status play on what, until now, has always been a rest day.
Heather Watson will take to the main arena for her entirely feasible shot at the quarter-finals, against Germany’s Jule Niemeier. Cam Norrie is on Court No1, where he will face American Tommy Paul.
Heather Watson will face Jule Niemeier and Cam Norrie will play Tommy Paul in Round Four
They are the last two singles survivors from the host nation’s bumper entry of 17.
When 10 managed to take advantage of decent draws to make round two it seemed there might have been more left — it is the hope that kills you. Nonetheless, both have a realistic chance of continue the feelgood factor around the British game in recent weeks.
There can be a temptation to read too much into grass-court performances, especially in this year without ranking points, but broadly the Brits have performed well.
The rest of the year will give a more accurate picture of where the British game stands but some have failed to grasp the opportunity at what was always likely to be an extra unpredictable tournament.
Watson has never reached the Fourth Round of Wimbledon before this year
However, Norrie’s progress is no shock at all. The world No 12 has claimed two ATP titles this year and 30 victories, adding to the 52 he managed last season.
His unobtrusive and grounded nature is summed up by the fact that he cycles in most days from his home in Putney. Fame is coming slowly and he recently told of having a snack at a local eaterie and the barman telling him he looked a bit like that tennis player, Cam Norrie.
The 26-year-old
