Cameron Norrie, who is Britain's final hope for a men’s Wimbledon champion this year, has used his “huge lungs” to his advantage during his impressive campaign so far.
The 29-year-old has stormed through to another Wimbledon quarter-final, but now finds himself with the biggest challenge of all later today: two-time champion at SW19 Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court.
The world No61 has played at least four sets in three of his four matches in the tournament so far, with his recent fourth-round tie against Chilean Nicolas Jarry going the distance.
A four-hour match is, of course, incredibly gruelling for any professional, but it is somewhat less so for Norrie due to his abnormally large lungs.
Cameron Norrie beat Nicolas Jarry after a five-set thriller
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Recalling a conversation with a doctor, Norrie said to the ATP in 2022: “I went to the hospital for some tests after an accident in college.
“One of the [techs] was like ‘Are you a deep sea diver or something? Your lungs are huge! I’ve never seen lungs like that’.
“But I had no idea because I thought it was just normal!”
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After consulting with a doctor, the Briton found his lungs to be unusually large
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The abnormality, of course, plays to the Briton’s advantage with long rallies and hours of playing time being easier for him, and he has been sure to make use of this.
He continued: “So about five years ago I realised I had big lungs, and I’ve used them to my advantage ever since.
“When he told me that, it gave me more confidence in my running ability and engine. It is crucial to my game.
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“I like to try and play long matches and make it as physical as I can, and the longer the rally goes, the better.”
His abilities were demonstrated the most in his recent victory over Jarry, a duel that lasted four hours and 30 minutes, with the Briton running out 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-7 (5), 6-3 winner.
After his astonishing triumph, he said: "Honestly, I don't know how I did that. Credit to Nico [Jarry]. He did an unbelievable job.
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Cameron Norrie eventually beat Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (7), 6-7 (5), 6-3
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"He played better than me in both tie-breaks [that he lost]. I had to keep fighting. I forgot to get my coach a birthday present today, so I had to get the win for him!
"He hung in there, but I kept taking care of my serve. The atmosphere was so good and I appreciate the crowd getting me through."
The win means Norrie is just the fourth British player in the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon on multiple occasions, along with Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Roger Taylor.
Norrie’s abilities will now be put to the ultimate test against tournament favourite Alcaraz, whom the Briton has defeated twice in their last three meetings.
The 29-year-old will be looking to equal his career-best Grand Slam performance by reaching the semi-final, and will need all of his extra lung capacity to get there.
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