Cameron Norrie is preparing to marry his long-term partner Louise Jacobi after proposing during a safari holiday in South Africa.
The British No 2 chose the andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge in Timbavati, approximately a six-hour drive from his birthplace of Johannesburg, as the setting for the proposal.
Jacobi later confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: “A special moment on our trip in South Africa. Cheers to a beautiful life together with my best friend.”
Jacobi, a Chicago-born fashion and textiles designer aged 35, published a series of photographs of the couple embracing against the backdrop of the reserve’s scenic landscape.
She also noted, humorously, that a “real engagement ring” was still to come, posing with a temporary ring on her little finger beside a smiling Norrie, 30.
Messages of congratulations flooded in from across the tennis world.
Fellow professionals, including Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter - who became engaged themselves last year - were among the first to offer their best wishes.
Norrie’s engagement marks nearly six years since he first met Jacobi in New York.
Earlier this year, she told Tatler that their introduction came through a mutual friend who had played college tennis.
According to Jacobi, the friend suggested she meet “some guys playing in the US Open” after their matches.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Cam Norrie was all smiles after popping the question to his girlfriend
|“The rest, as they say, is history,” she said. She later learned that friends had hoped to connect her and Norrie from the outset.
Despite that initial encouragement, Jacobi admitted she did not believe the relationship had long-term potential in its early stages.
Norrie’s demanding travel schedule made her sceptical, and she recalled being “just not interested” at first.
She initially declined his attempts to spend more time together but eventually relented due to his “persistence” and consistent communication, even when they were on opposite sides of the world.
Their relationship deepened in 2019 when Jacobi lost her job after her employer went bankrupt.
Norrie invited her to join him at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, an opportunity she initially viewed with hesitation because of his unconventional lifestyle.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PA“I thought, ‘I guess this guy doesn’t live a normal life, and it’s not like I can meet him down the street for dinner,’” she told Tatler.
“But I went on the trip, was only meant to stay five days, and things just went really well. I had a wonderful time with him.”
Jacobi has since said that losing her job ultimately allowed their relationship to develop before the pandemic disrupted the tennis calendar.
“In some weird way, thank God I got laid off when I did,” she explained, describing that period as crucial for establishing the foundation of their partnership.
Norrie’s parents have previously described Jacobi as a calm and positive influence.
And she remains a regular presence courtside at his matches, offering support during tournaments throughout the season.