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Match details
Fixture: Fabio Fognini vs Cameron Norrie
Date: 17 March 2021
Tournament: Abierto Mexicano Telcel 2021
Round: Second round (Round of 16)
Venue: Acapulco, Mexico
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $1,053,560
Match timing: Approx. 10 pm local time, 9.30 am IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel
Fabio Fognini vs Cameron Norrie preview
The Mexican Open is the first tournament that Fabio Fognini has participated in since the Australian Open earlier this year. Fognini had a decent run at the Melbourne Slam, reaching the fourth round before losing to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
He has had a decent start to his Acapulco campaign too, beating compatriot Stefano Travaglia in straight sets on Tuesday. Fognini won the match 7-5, 6-2 for his seventh ATP singles victory of the year.
The World No. 17 has a 7-4 win loss record so far in 2021, and will be looking to improve that ratio this week in Acapulco.
Cameron Norrie also started his campaign in Mexico impressively, beating Stefan Kozlov in straight sets. Norrie clinched the match 6-3, 6-3, marching into the second round with an impressive first-serve percentage of 80.
The Brit was knocked out in the Round of 16 at both the Rotterdam and the Open 13 over the last couple of weeks. He will be desperate to make it to the quarters this time around.
Norrie is currently ranked 61st in the world, and has a win-loss record of 8-5 so far this year.
Fabio Fognini vs Cameron Norrie head-to-head
Fabio Fognini and Cameron Norrie have met just once on tour before, in the semifinals of the the 2018 Los Cabos Open. Fognini won that match 6-4, 6-2, and thus leads the head-to-head 1-0.
Fabio Fognini vs Cameron Norrie prediction
Fabio Fognini's attacking, explosive playing style pitted against Cam Norrie's solidity from the baseline would make this match an interesting watch.
Both players have strong groundstrokes, and are capable of returning big shots with depth. Norrie's serve is slightly more accurate and pacy than Fognini's, but neither can be called a huge server.
Despite a considerable gap in their rankings, this will likely be a close encounter. But Fognini's explosiveness might just tilt the scales in his favor ever so slightly.
Prediction: Fabio Fognini to win in three sets.
