Following an impressive run to Wimbledon quarterfinals, Brit Cameron Norrie has kept momentum going this week at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, taking down world No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in a two hour, five minute second round match at the ATP 500 event.
Next, he will face off against 14th seed Brandon Nakashima, who earlier edged fellow American Ethan Quinn in straight sets.
The world No. 41 dropped the opener to the Italian player, making his debut in Washington on Tuesday.
Competing in his first official tournament since a shocking early exit at Wimbledon, Musetti made a fast start, breaking the British player in the second game of the first set to never look back, closing out 6-3 in just 32 minutes.
However, the resurgent 29-year-old came out firing in the second set, in control on play from the onset.
Under pressure, the Carrara native lost rhythm on serve against the former Indian Wells champion, who capitalized his chances, breaking in the second, fourth, and eighth game to even the match at one set apiece, forcing a decider.
Then, the 23-year-old adjusted his game, stepping up the pressure over his opponent after he hit two double faults early in a lengthy fifth game.
Nonetheless, the five-time ATP titlist fought back, saving five break points to hold his ground, flipping the script in the sixth game with a crucial break to steal a 4-2 lead.
Taking the better of his adversary, Norrie moved forward to beat the No. 2 Italian for the first time, sealing the set 6-3 and the match with a backhand forcing short.
Throughout the contest, he hit 24 winners against 39 unforced errors, converted four of seven break points, and won 16 of 18 net approaches.
Previously, he defeated countryman Billy Harris 6-3, 7-6(4) to set off his North American hard court swing.
Norrie leads Nakashima 3-1 in their series, having met for the last time in 2022.
Meanwhile, world No. 9 Holger Rune, who had been practicing at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center under the watchful eye of former world No. 1 Andre Agassi, pulled out from the tournament with a back injury.
Through his official social media accounts, Rune shared: “Super unlucky. Yesterday in practice, my back locked, and I am not fit to play today. I tried it before, and nothing dramatic, just super bad timing, as I looked very much forward to play tonight in Washington. See you all soon.”
Lucky loser Corentin Moutet will step in for the Dane to play against compatriot Alexandre Muller on John A. Harris Grandstand.
Elsewhere, Chinese player Yibing Wu stunned former champion Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-1, claiming his first victory this season at tour level.
All will return to action next week at the National Bank Open, a Masters 1000 venue held in Toronto, Canada.