By Tony FairbairnCameron Norrie [5] def Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4 6-1Norrie v James Duckworth | H2H: First MeetingLOS CABOS, MEXICO – Cameron Norrie is into the second round of Los Cabos after a straight sets win over Aleksandar Kovacevic and will now face James Duckworth.

 

 

Cameron Norrie [5] def Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4 6-1

Cameron Norrie is into the second round of Los Cabos after avenging last year’s defeat to Aleksandar Kovacevic. Despite the victory, it was a shaky start from Norrie who was broken in the opening game and after breaking back had to save two more break points. Last year’s finalist started the match with aggressive intent as he looked to test Norrie’s all-round game.

However, Norrie found some consistency and settled into the match well producing some high-quality tennis. The former champion was soon producing some aggressive tennis on return as he broke serve for a 5-3 lead. There were still jitters and moments of passive play from Norrie which allowed Kovacevic to break back. A comfortable return game in the next game put doubts to rest as Norrie secured the opening set in 50 minutes.

It was a more comfortable second set from Norrie who didn’t face a break point and was confident and aggressive on serve. A break in the second game laid the foundations as Norrie surged into an early 3-0 lead. There was a consolation game from Kovacevic but even in that game Kovacevic had to save two break points. A struggle for Kovacevic as he ultimately failed to defend his final points from last year.

Meanwhile, Norrie broke to love to secure the double break before serving the match out to book his place into the second round in Mexico.

 

Cameron Norrie [5] v James Duckworth H2H & Match FundamentalsCameron Norrie [5] v James DuckworthH2H: First Meeting     ATP Los Cabos 2026   Los Cabos, Mexico  Hard (O) Prize Money: $11,850Third on Grandstand (05:00 BST)  Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Norrie will now search for a place in the quarter-finals of Los Cabos when the fifth seed takes on James Duckworth.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)H2H:Cameron Norrie (WR 39)James Duckworth (WR 83)  Tournament Previous BestChampion (2021)Quarter-Final (2025)1st Serve %64.756.5Service Games Won %82.578.9Break Points Saved %67.560.82nd Serve Return Points Won %48.752Break Points Converted %36.631.9

Norrie will aim to maintain his level of consistency on serve and return as he looks to dictate the rallies against Duckworth.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

It seems that Mexico is the place where Duckworth knows how to produce a winning formula. The Australian won the Mexico City Challenger in April which backed up a good run to the final in San Luis Potosi. Otherwise, Duckworth has had a fairly dismal year as he now hopes he can put a good run of form together ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year in New York.

Norrie will look to be aggressive on the first serve and will use the backhand to pin Duckworth behind the baseline. Meanwhile, Duckworth will approach the net to finish off points efficiently with the first serve percentage going to be key for the Australian. This will be a decent test for Norrie but the former champion is expected to reach the quarter-finals in Mexico.

Prediction: Norrie in straight sets.     

 

 

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