Cameron Norrie in high spirits as he bids to improve upon US Open record

'I feel good – I’ve had a decent hard-court swing. I made a couple of semis and I’m feeling confident heading into this US Open'

The British No 2 in action earlier this summer (AFP/Getty Images)

Twelve months ago Cameron Norrie arrived here at the US Open as the world No 225, won three matches in qualifying and then beat Dmitry Tursunov in the opening round to claim his first victory in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.

The British No 2’s world ranking is a good measure of the progress he continues to make. Norrie is now the world No 67 and will go into his first-round match on Monday against Australia’s Jordan Thompson as the higher ranked player. They have not met at tour level, but Norrie beat the world No 108 in the final of a Challenger tournament last summer.

“He competes well,” Norrie said. “At least I’ll get a chance to play my game, play on my terms against him. He’s not the most aggressive player, but he’s pretty consistent. I think it’s going to be a tough match, but it’s going to be a good level and we’ll both play well.”

Norrie has reached the semi-finals at two main-tour tournaments this summer and considers hard courts to be his best surface. He also feels refreshed after spending a training week back at Texas Christian University, where he played college tennis.

“I was just there with a bunch of the guys, some of my good friends, too,” he said. “Everything’s so simple there. Like the courts – we can practise whenever we want. The gym is there. I had two members of the LTA come out to help me - James Trotman and Chris McLeod, who is one of the new fitness trainers there.

“My girlfriend’s there so it was good to see her a little bit. I just spent enough time on court and it was hot and humid so it was perfect preparation coming here.

“I feel great coming here. Last year I had to qualify so it’s nice to kind of just get here and skip that phase and just be a little bit fresher. I feel good – I’ve had a decent hard-court swing. I made a couple of semis and I’m feeling confident heading into this US Open.”

Norrie is keen to work hard on becoming physically stronger. “I think that’s where I can make the biggest leap in my game – get a little bit stronger and more physical with these guys, especially over five sets,” he said. “I think it will help.”

Norrie has reached the semi-finals at two main-tour tournaments this summer (EPA)

Although Norrie’s girlfriend is not here at the moment – “At TCU she plays football there so she can't actually travel this week” – he is hoping she might be able to join him.

“Maybe if I make it deep, she has got a free weekend in the second week, so hopefully I make the final for her to come,” he said with a smile. “She's booked her ticket in advance. She's confident.”

After the US Open Norrie is likely to be a key member of the British Davis Cup team for their meeting with Uzbekistan. “My dad is extremely pumped for the tie in Glasgow,” Norrie said. “He grew up there right next to King's Park. I think he is a little bit more excited than I am. It should be good. I am focusing on this week and when the time comes it is going to be a good one for sure.”

Norrie is hoping that Andy Murray will play doubles in the tie. “I haven't asked him too much about how he is feeling physically,” he said. “I think it probably depends on how he does here. It will be great to have him and Jamie playing.”