Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie prediction for Saturday’s French Open third-round clash at Roland Garros in Paris. 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal faces world number 45, Cameron Norrie. Read on for our free prediction and betting tips.
Rafael Nadal looking to extend his record in Paris
World number three Rafael Nadal comes to the French Open after winning both tournaments in Barcelona and Rome. He is the king of clay and is never out of contention in winning the trophy at Roland Garros since his first win back in 2005. Nadal has taken his excellent form with him to the French Open as he tries to win the title for a record-extending 14th time.
In his first two matches, the Spaniard swept aside Popyrin and Gasquet in straight sets. Nadal’s low first-serve percentage of 58% in his match against Gasquet, has never been a problem for him as he makes up with his incredible defense and the ability to change defense into attack under any circumstance.
Cameron Norrie in a tough third-round clash
Norrie has entered the French Open on the back of a very good clay season which saw him reach the final in Lyon and Estoril. The Brit has a 16-3 win/loss record on clay in 2021 and has looked very sharp in the French Open as well, winning both his first and second-round matches so far against Fratangelo and Harris.
Norrie came back from a set down against Sout African Lloyd Harris in the second round. The world number 45 was having trouble with his serve in the first set. He improved his second serve and started winning over 70% of the points behind his second serve after he was winning just 56% in the first set.
Key Points
Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie Prediction
Nadal is in the kind of form that will enable him to challenge for the title again. It has to be said though he doesn’t look as sharp as last year and with so many players like Djokovic, Tsitsipas, and Zverev keen to challenge the Spaniard’s reign in Paris.
Cameron Norrie struggled in the last match against Nadal in Barcelona losing 6-1, 6-4. The Brit didn’t serve well with just 51% and won just 57% of the points behind his serve. Norrie needs to improve these two aspects if he wants to challenge the world number three.
We don’t think Nadal will be too troubled in this match and thus think he will win in straight sets with a low number of total games.
Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie Betting Tips
Under 27 Games 2.05 at Vbet
Nadal to win over 18.5 total games 1.97 at Vbet