Norrie and Opelka set to clash for Delray Beach Open title

Cameron Norrie will face Reilly Opelka in a battle of the top two seeds in the Delray Beach Open final.

Britain's Cameron Norrie reacts during his match against France's Arthur Rinderknech

Tennis – Davis Cup Finals – Group C – France v Britain – Olympiahalle, Innsbruck, Austria – November 27, 2021 Britain’s Cameron Norrie reacts during his match against France’s Arthur Rinderknech || 213865_0041

Chris Oddo

February 20, 2022

Top-seeded Cameron Norrie eased past American Tommy Paul to book a final clash with 2020 Delray Beach champion Reilly Opelka on Saturday at the Delray Beach Open. The British No 1 was ruthless as he pushed past Paul, 6-3, 6-3, to reach his first final since he claimed the BNP Paribas Open title in October.

The 26-year-old world No 13 owns a 2-5 lifetime record in ATP finals.

3-set thriller 💥

Former champ @ReillyOpelka is back in the finals with a 7-6 6-7 7-6 win over Millman!

It'll be a 1st vs 2nd seed final against Norrie tomorrow!@DelrayBeachOpen pic.twitter.com/msaShM6ExI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 20, 2022

In the night session, Opelka edged Aussie John Millman in a tense three-hour battle, coming through in three tiebreaks, 7-6(8), 6-7(3), 7-6(4), thanks to 16 aces, and 17 holds in 18 service games.

Opelka is into his fifth ATP final and has now reeled off eight consecutive victories at Delray Beach.

Sunday’s final marks the first time in Delray Beach Open history that the top two seeds have played for the title.

Opelka and Norrie have split their two previous meetings on tour, with Opelka winning in straight sets in Cincinnati (6-3, 6-4) and Norrie winning in straight sets last year in Paris (also 6-3, 6-4).