Djokovic brought up as BBC star picks sides after Norrie's Wimbledon ‘scrap'
Pat Cash has leapt to Cameron Norrie's defence following a fiery row with Nicolas Jarry at Wimbledon, using Novak Djokovic as an example. The star found himself embroiled in controversy during his thrilling five-set victory over Jarry in Sunday's fourth-round clash.
The Chilean became increasingly frustrated with Norrie's serving routine, moaning to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore before the third set about the 29-year-old's lengthy second serve time. Jarry was particularly wound up by Norrie's habit of bouncing the ball repeatedly, then stopping to bounce it again - a pattern he claimed was throwing off his own concentration.
Jarry admitted he didn't know the rules and was heard telling the official: "What is the rule there? The problem is, is it normal to do that when it affects the other player? You have to intervene there or I have to suck it. That's the real issue, it doesn't matter the reason.
"It is the same as hitting the ball anywhere. It's not intentional but you have to apply the code as well. How is it now? He perfectly can stop doing it, it's not a nervous tick.
"It's something that he can control. It's not a nervous tick. You think there's nothing I can do so I just have to suck it up, because he does it always. That's a reason for me to have to play with something that affects me. It can be changed, it's not something that cannot be changed," reports the Express.
Asderaki-Moore responded: "I am going to step in if I think there is a reason to step in," before Jarry added: "I don't want to force you into anything. I just want to do what the rules say. And if there is not a rule then tell me and I cannot do anything about it."
The match continued, with Norrie eventually clinching victory 6-3 7-6 6-7 6-7 6-3. However, the tension didn't dissipate as the pair exchanged frosty words during their post-match handshake.
During his on-court interview, Norrie shed some light on what might have irked Jarry. He explained: "He said I was a little bit vocal and I think that's my energy.
"I was pulling [energy] from my team and then I just said, 'Man, you competed so well and hung in there so well and it was an amazing, competitive match.' I love it, I loved the Chilean fans too, and you guys definitely pulled me through the match there at the end."
Norrie's ball-bouncing habit seemed to unsettle Jarry on Court One, but BBC commentator Cash defended the player's actions. Using 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic as an example, the 1987 Wimbledon champion said: "You can bounce the ball 35 times if you want between first and second serve.
"That is the anomaly. There are a few weird things in tennis. If you are late coming in for a first serve, you have been running all over the place, and you are tired, all you have to do is get to the line and throw the ball and catch it, and then you can bounce the ball 20 or 30 times.
"But I don't think Cam does it that extreme. Novak used to bounce the ball 20 or 30 times. He is regrouping himself and that's the anomaly of the rule. I don't agree with quite a few of the silly rules of tennis that they have. But Norrie is within his rights to do so.
"You can go for a toilet break. I went for two toilet breaks in my whole career over five sets, but they go every set. So as he (Jarry) said, I don't mind you as a player, but that's a bit extreme. He has got a bit of a point there, I suppose. I have not seen Cam bounce the ball that much, I have to be honest. So maybe this is something that he has decided.
"I am a bit tired, I just need extra breathing space between points. I have never seen him bounce the ball that much, so maybe that is just something he has done today."
Following his victory, Norrie is set to take on reigning champ Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, eyeing his maiden Grand Slam trophy. The ATP No. 61 has previously made waves at Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals in 2022 where he was eventually defeated by Djokovic on the iconic Centre Court.
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