French Open 2025: Cameron Norrie beats Jacob Fearnley in match disrupted by Champions League fireworks

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French Open 2025: Cameron Norrie beats Jacob Fearnley in match disrupted by Champions League fireworks

Cameron Norrie maintained his focus to beat British rival Jacob Fearnley in a French Open third-round match disrupted by loud fireworks outside Paris St-Germain’s stadium.

Norrie, 29, was replaced by 23-year-old Fearnley as the British number two earlier this year, but laid down his authority in a 6-3 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 win.

Bangs were heard throughout the majority of the match as PSG fans geared up for their football team’s Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich.

“It was hard managing the fireworks next door – that was the toughest part for both of us,” Norrie, who is ranked 81st in the world, said.

Norrie – playing at his best level for a while after a couple of difficult seasons – used his experience to take control against his fellow Scot.

It managed to subdue French Open debutant Fearnley, who appeared to pick up an injury in the second set.

Fearnley, ranked 55th, produced a double fault on match point as Norrie reached the last 16 of the clay-court Grand Slam for the first time.

The reward could be a meeting with former world number one Novak Djokovic, who plays later on Saturday.

Norrie and Fearnley – who had never played at ATP level previously – shared a warm embrace at the net after a three-hour contest played in bizarre circumstances.

Almost 50,000 supporters were arriving at the Parc des Princes – which is over the road from Roland Garros – to watch the game on big screens.

Norrie had to abort his serve when he led 4-1 in the second-set tie-break, but refocused to secure a commanding lead.

As well as the fireworks, the players could also hear car horns tooting and police sirens during the opening two sets.

The noise subsided in the third set – as the football match’s kick-off time approached – and Norrie cruised to victory.

“I feel great – it was really tough to get there,” said Norrie.

“It was a tough match playing Jacob. He’s had an amazing season and breakthrough on the tour.”

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