Cameron Norrie Stuns Daniil Medvedev in Five-Set Thriller at French Open 2025
Cameron Norrie claimed a remarkable victory over Daniil Medvedev in the first round of the 2025 French Open. After losing all four of their previous meetings, Norrie came back from a break down in the final set to win 7-5 6-3 4-6 1-6 7-5 in just under four hours.
Cameron Norrie Stuns Daniil Medvedev in Five-Set Thriller at French Open 2025
"I think I deserve a diploma" – Norrie shocks Medvedev at Roland Garros
Cameron Norrie pulled off one of the biggest wins of his season by defeating world number 11 Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set first-round match at the French Open 2025.
Norrie, ranked 81st in the world, had not beaten a top-20 player since January 2024 and had lost all four of his previous encounters with Medvedev, including one just weeks earlier in Rome. But at Roland Garros, the Brit reversed that trend in dramatic fashion.
Starting with intensity and precision, Norrie took the first two sets with composed and aggressive play. Medvedev, who often fluctuated between frustration and brilliance, mounted a fierce comeback to level the match at two sets apiece.
The deciding set saw Medvedev break Norrie early and serve for the match at 5-4. However, Norrie broke back and then held firm to claim three games in a row, sealing the victory 7-5 6-3 4-6 1-6 7-5 in just under four hours.
"There wasn't a lot on my mind on match point," said 29-year-old Norrie. "I felt he was a little tentative, but honestly, it was a crazy match. I think I deserve a diploma for beating Medvedev because he's beaten me the last four times. It was an unreal match."
Norrie’s return game and depth on groundstrokes were key as he stayed with the defensively strong Medvedev, especially in long rallies. He made the most of Medvedev’s nerves, breaking him both early and late in the match when the Russian served for a set or the win.
Norrie now advances to face Argentine lucky loser Federico Gomez in the second round.
Elsewhere, Sonay Kartal joined Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in the third round after a commanding win over Erika Andreeva. It marks the first time since 1973 that six British players have reached the second round of the French Open.
In men’s doubles, British sixth seeds Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash recovered from a set down to defeat Australia’s Rinky Hijikata and Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski also moved on with a straight-sets win, while Emily Appleton and partner Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers were knocked out in women’s doubles.