Norrie and Fearnley may have never previously met on the ATP Tour, but they are well aware of each other, having trodden a similar path into the professional ranks.
The pair both played United States college tennis at Texas Christian University, with the older Norrie often going back to offer wisdom to the younger cohorts.
Norrie has been a shining example to them by maximising his abilities to forge an impressive career – reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022 on his way into the world’s top 10.
Fearnley did not make his ATP debut until last year, turning professional shortly after completing his kinesiology degree.
At that point, he was still unranked but has since made one of the sharpest rises in ATP history.
Fearnley had not played on clay professionally until last month and a confident Norrie – who beat former world number one Daniil Medvedev in the first round – produced a confident display to win.
“I was really able to play consistent kind of vintage Norrie tennis,” said the British number three.
“Just playing seven out of 10 for three and a half hours – or as long as I needed to do that. I did it again so I was really happy with the way I performed.”
Norrie shared a warm embrace with Fearnley at the net after a three-hour contest played in bizarre circumstances.
Almost 50,000 football supporters were arriving at the Parc des Princes – over the road from Roland Garros – to watch the Champions League final on big screens.
Norrie had to abort his serve when he led 4-1 in the second-set tie-break, but refocused to secure a commanding lead.
As well as the fireworks, the players could also hear car horns tooting and police sirens during the opening two sets.
The noise subsided in the third set – as the football match’s kick-off time approached – and Norrie cruised to victory.
