Cam Norrie booed at Paris Masters after controversial celebration
British tennis player Cam Norrie faced hostile treatment from spectators at the Paris Masters on Thursday, with loud boos erupting after he celebrated winning a point against Valentin Vacherot, reports BritPanorama.
The incident occurred during the eleventh game of the opening set when Norrie, trailing 5-6, raised both arms skyward twice following a successful point. This demonstrative reaction provoked immediate backlash from a crowd that had been vocally supporting Vacherot throughout the match.
Vacherot went on to secure victory in straight sets, 7-6, 6-4, thus eliminating Norrie from the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The Monaco representative has emerged as the crowd’s surrogate home player following the elimination of all French competitors from the singles competition.
The absence of French representation in the later stages led Parisian spectators to embrace Vacherot as their preferred contestant. His path included a previous victory over Arthur Rinderknech, a cousin who was among three French players granted wildcards for the tournament. Vacherot’s connection to France and his recent form made him the natural choice for local support.
Vacherot’s remarkable rise includes triumph at the Shanghai Masters, where he defeated Rinderknech in the final. Previously ranked 204th globally, the player has experienced significant improvement, reflecting on his journey by stating, “I’ve been training, trying, working, doing everything possible and everything is clicking now.” He added, “It’s the work of many, many years even since my five years in college, my four years on tour, it’s pure work.”
Norrie’s defeat means no British players remain in the tournament after Jacob Fearnley fell to Andrey Rublev in straight sets during the opening round, following his advancement through qualifying. Jack Draper, Britain’s top-ranked player, withdrew before the competition due to an arm problem.
As French tennis awaits its first Paris Masters champion since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s 2008 triumph, the outcome of this year’s tournament highlights a continuing struggle for home-grown success amidst challenging circumstances.
