Earlier, 2024 Eastbourne semi-finalist Billy Harris acquired his marketing campaign this yr off to a robust begin with a shock win over fellow British participant Cameron Norrie.
Harris, who solely certified for this yr’s competitors as a fortunate loser, beat former Wimbledon semi-finalist Norrie 6-4 6-4 in Tuesday’s third match on centre court docket.
For world quantity 142 Harris, it was solely his second win over a participant within the high 100 as he impressively noticed off 61st-ranked Norrie.
“I knew it will be a troublesome match as we speak,” Englishman Harris mentioned. “I needed to play an excellent match, and managed to remain strong within the wind.
“I had some nice recollections from final yr right here, hopefully I can flip this into an excellent week.”
Within the first aggressive singles match between the compatriots, Harris raced right into a 4-1 lead with a double break, taking each break factors on supply in set one.
A grinding opener with solely 5 winners in whole was partially determined by 13 unforced errors from Norrie, who obtained a wildcard for Eastbourne however was under par right here, regardless of managing to beak Harris’ serve within the eighth sport. He additionally did not hit an ace within the one hour and 24 minute encounter.
Harris then broke in seventh sport of the second set, and noticed off 4 Norrie break factors within the closing sport as he served for the match.
Harris will play Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci within the second spherical.
