Cameron Norrie signals Wimbledon ambitions with definitive nine-word statement

British tennis star Cameron Norrie has said that he doesn't think "anyone wants to play against me" as he gears up for Wimbledon. It was just two years ago when Norrie captured the nation's hearts as he made an incredible run to the Wimbledon semi-final.

The 28-year-old was eventually defeated by Novak Djokovic as his dream of making the final of SW19 came to a ruthless end as the Serbian icon beat him in four sets. Talk of Norrie's chances going into this year's tournament have been dampened by a poor run of form.

But that hasn't stopped the tennis ace from announcing that he will be "a tough draw for anyone". Wimbledon begins next week and Norrie is feeling confident.

Norrie has now dropped to number 44 in the world rankings, despite once being as high as eighth, and he will now not be seeded for Wimbledon. But the British number two is in a bullish mood and talked up his chances to the Daily Mail ahead of this year's tournament.

"I know I am a good player on the grass and I don’t think anyone wants to play against me at Wimbledon," Norrie said."That will be a tough draw for anyone" he added on the prospects of his opponents facing him on the greens of SW19.

Norrie, who beat reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at the Rio Open in February, also revealed how he's relishing taking on the current greats of the game and playing without any fear. He added: "I am looking forward to playing freely and taking it to the top guys in the world."

Norrie struggled to replicate his 2022 form at last year's Wimbledon, with the Brit beaten in four sets by American Christopher Eubanks, in what was considered a major upset. Since his famous run, he has been displaced as British No1 by Jack Draper after losing in the first round at the French Open, the second round in Nottingham and the first round at Queen’s.

Norris also disclosed that an intentional adjustment to his playing style is the reason that his form has taken a hit in recent months. "I have been trying to mix up the way I am playing this year, so it is very uncomfortable for me and I am taking a lot of losses because of it," Norrie said.

"I am not being mentally as clear or as confident as I was in the past. Making sure you are playing on instinct and not thinking too much is key." he added.

Talking about the run which saw him almost emulate Andy Murray and become a British player in the showpiece final, Norrie says he wants to experience that high again and it's made him "hungry" coming into this year's competition.

"I want to do that again," said Norrie."That just made me hungrier to get more moments like that and have another deep run in a Slam, which I haven’t done since then."

The South African-born star also revealed that the UK Grand Slam is his preferred tournament and that he is aiming to take to the courts this year with the intention to cause some "damage:"I’ve always had a good feeling playing at Wimbledon. It’s my favourite tournament of the year. I would love to be there with the expectations to do well and be high seeded and ready to do some damage."