Cameron Norrie missed out on a golden likelihood to win a sixth ATP Tour title after dropping to teenager Lerner Tien on the Moselle Open in Metz.
In a fast-paced battle, the British quantity two fought again from a set all the way down to take a 1-4 lead within the deciding set and 5-1 within the tie-break, however Tien gained 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).
Having misplaced to Benjamin Bonzi within the last of the identical occasion 12 months in the past, Norrie was extremely motivated to go one step additional and win his first title in virtually three years.
Nevertheless, it was 19-year-old Tien who was in a position to rejoice his first tour win as a substitute, and he’ll be part of Norrie as seeds for the Australian Open.
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Norrie had gained three video games in a row from a set down, so he should not have panicked if Tien had taken the lead.
The 30-year-old’s strain paid off early within the second set as he confidently leveled the match, however discovered himself on the again foot once more early within the decider.
He held on as Tien pressured two break factors to take a 4-1 lead, however Norrie saved each and the younger American appeared to sense a possibility after three video games in a row with issues not going his approach.
Within the tie-break, Norrie seemed set to take the title, however the momentum shifted once more after he missed an opportunity to take a 6-1 lead, and though he saved one match level, he scored on Tien’s second likelihood.
