The world number 27, seeded seventh in Metz, needed three sets to see off the in-form Royer, eventually winning 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3 after two hours and 19 minutes of intense play. Royer, enjoying a breakthrough season on the tour, pushed Norrie to his limits by dominating the second-set tie-break, but the Briton regrouped to claim the decider.
“The whole match was not easy,” Norrie said afterward. “It’s [Royer’s] first proper year on the tour, and he’s almost reached the top 50. I had to fight hard.”
Norrie, who last week recorded what he called the biggest win of his career by defeating then-world number one Carlos Alcaraz, is chasing his first ATP Tour title since 2023. He will next face another Frenchman, Arthur Cazaux, as he aims to return to the final in Metz after finishing runner-up last year.
Mixed Fortunes for British Players
Elsewhere in Metz, Britain’s Jan Choinski fell short in a three-set battle against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, losing 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
At the Athens Open, British number three Jacob Fearnley was beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur, ending his campaign early.
The Athens event has drawn particular attention as Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti continues his bid to secure the final spot at the ATP Finals. Following Felix Auger-Aliassime’s withdrawal from Metz due to a left knee injury, Musetti must win the Athens title to qualify for the season-ending event in Turin.
British Strength in Doubles
While the singles focus turns to Turin, Britain’s doubles success continues to make headlines. The ATP Finals, which begin on Sunday, will feature five British players — the most in over three decades.
The world’s top-ranked pair Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, alongside Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski, and Henry Patten (who partners Finland’s Harri Heliövaara) all feature among the world’s top 10 teams.
It marks the first time in 32 years that Great Britain has produced five top-10 doubles players simultaneously, underlining the country’s growing depth and consistency in the format.
Meanwhile, in the WTA Finals currently taking place in Riyadh, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina became the first player to book her place in the semi-finals on Monday, maintaining her bid to end the season on a high.