Briton Cameron Norrie eliminated from the Erste Bank Open in the round of 16 by Matteo Berrettini | Tennis news
Cameron Norrie’s hopes of a first ATP Tour quarter-final appearance since this year’s Wimbledon were dashed by Matteo Berrettini at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
British player Norrie lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (11-9) 6-4 to Italian former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini in the round of 16 after beating world number 15 Andrey Rublev in the previous round.
Norrie had four chances to lead 5-1 in the first set before finally losing in a tie-break, while he then saved a match point in the second set tie-break to force a decider before being beaten in three hours and 16 minutes in Austria.
Berrettini will now meet Alex de Minaur in the round of 16, with the Australian beating home wild card Filip Misolic 6-4 6-4.
Top-seeded world No. 2 Jannik Sinner faces fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli later on Thursday and will face either Alexander Bublik or Francisco Cerundolo if he wins.
Britain’s Jack Draper, currently sidelined with an arm injury, won the 2024 Erste Bank Open, beating Karen Khachanov for her first ATP 500 title.
Saudi Arabia set to host Masters 1000 event from 2028
Elsewhere, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would host a new Masters 1000 event, likely starting in 2028.
The country’s influence in tennis has grown, hosting the WTA Finals, Next Gen ATP Finals and the Six Kings Slam, while sponsorship deals through its Public Investment Fund include the ATP and WTA rankings and the WTA maternity program.
Sinner (right) defeated Carlos Alcaraz (left) in the Six Kings Slam 2025 final
Saudi Arabia will join the nine existing 1000 tournaments – the highest level of the men’s circuit – in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris.
ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi said of the plans for the tournament: “They are truly incredible and I think they are going to raise the bar in terms of player and fan experience.
“This is a proud moment for us and the result of a journey that has been years in the making.
“Saudi Arabia has shown a true commitment to tennis, not only at the professional level, but also in growing the game at all levels.”
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