British tennis star Cameron Norrie has suffered a setback ahead of the French Open after revealing that a rib injury has disrupted his preparations for the tournament.
The British number one is now facing a race against time to be fit for his opening-round match against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo on Tuesday. Norrie admitted he has not practised at Roland Garros and suggested he may have made a mistake by continuing to play during his Geneva Open defeat to Mario Navone earlier this week.
“I overdid it with the preparation and probably should have retired,” the 30-year-old told BBC Sport while discussing the injury concern. However, the 22nd seed added that the extra recovery time before Tuesday’s match could help him regain fitness.
British Players Continue To Struggle With Injuries
Norrie’s latest fitness issue adds to a growing list of injury concerns affecting British tennis players this season. Jack Draper has already been ruled out of the French Open because of a knee injury, while Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and several others have also dealt with physical setbacks in recent months.
Norrie remains Britain’s main hope in the men’s singles draw after consistently performing at Grand Slams over the last five years. He reached the fourth round at Roland Garros last year and has advanced to at least the third round in 15 of his last 20 major appearances.
Injury Concerns Affecting Players Across Tour
The injury problems are not limited to British players. French star Arthur Fils withdrew from the tournament with a hip injury, while two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz is missing because of a wrist problem. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti has also been ruled out with a thigh injury.
Several players have pointed towards the packed tennis calendar as a possible reason behind the growing number of fitness concerns on the tour.
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