Novak Djokovic overcomes Cameron Norrie after Italian Open flashpoint

Cameron Norrie left his mark on Novak Djokovic but saw his Italian Open run end in the fourth round. The world No 1 was simply too solid for Norrie in a 6-3, 6-4 victory that maintains his record of never having lost before the quarter-finals in Rome.

The main talking point came in the fourth game of the second set as Norrie sought to retrieve an early break. Djokovic turned his back on the play after presenting his opponent with an easy smash, only for Norrie, seemingly unintentionally, to drill the ball into the Serbian’s legs.

Djokovic gave the British No 1 a frosty stare and there was an edge to the contest thereafter, but Norrie never really threatened to land more than a glancing blow. The 27-year-old, who had lost both his previous meetings with Djokovic, dropped serve at the start of the contest and was kept at arm’s length through the rest of the opening set, with the six-times champion putting on a tactical masterclass.

What happened there?