Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie LIVE: Italian Open result after tense last-16 match

Djokovic defeated Norrie 6-3 6-4 to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals in a match that was full of needle

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Cameron Norrie left his mark on Novak Djokovic but saw his Italian Open run end in the fourth round. The world number one was simply too solid for Norrie in a 6-3 6-4 victory that maintains his record of never having lost before the quarter-finals in Rome.

The main talking point came in the fourth game of the second set as Norrie sought to retrieve an early break. Djokovic turned his back on the play after presenting his opponent with an easy smash, only for Norrie, seemingly unintentionally, to drill the ball into the Serbian’s legs.

Djokovic gave the British number one an extremely frosty stare and there was an edge to the contest thereafter, but Norrie never really threatened to land more than a glancing blow.

The 27-year-old, who had lost both his previous meetings with Djokovic, dropped serve at the start of the contest and was kept at arm’s length through the rest of the opening set, with the six-time champion putting on a tactical masterclass.

Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie LIVE: Latest Italian Open updates

• Novak Djokovic defeats Cameron Norrie to reach Italian Open quarter-finals
• Djokovic wraps up 6-3 6-4 victory after Norrie calls trainer
• Temperature rises as Norrie hits Djokovic with a smash after Serbian turned his back
• Djokovic builds on early break to win first set 6-3
• Djokovic takes on British No 1 for first time since last year’s Wimbledon semi-final
• Carlos Alcaraz stunned by world number number 135 Fabian Marozsan in third round

[16 May 2023 09:00 · Jamie Braidwood]

Good morning

Novak Djokovic continues his Italian Open defence against British No 1 Cameron Norrie as the last-16 stage begins in Rome. After Carlos Alcaraz was stunned by the world number 135 Fabian Marozsan on Monday, Djokovic has the chance to close the gap to the young Spaniard in the rankings as the Serbian continues his French Open preparations.

Djokovic has won his previous two meetings against Norrie, including in the Wimbledon semi-finals last July. This will be their first clash on clay, which is a surface Norrie has put significant time and effort to improve on this year. Norrie, the 13th seed in Rome, suffered early defeats in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, however, and is still trying to find his rhythm ahead of Roland Garros.

As is Djokovic, who with a 2-2 record has as many defeats as victories on clay so far this season. But the 35-year-old was also on patchy form this time last year before going to win the Italian Open, as Djokovic looks to find his title-winning form before the second grand slam of the season. Follow live updates from Djokovic vs Norrie in today’s live blog: