Cameron Norrie vying to emulate Wimbledon run that cemented status as Newcastle United hero last year

Cameron Norrie will be hoping to emulate last summer's unexpected Wimbledon success that shot him to viral Newcastle United fame as the World Number 13 begins his British open campaign.

The South African-born 27-year-old fought his way to the Wimbledon semi-final in 2022 and went from a relative unknown to a national and North East hero as he went toe-to-toe with eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi.

Norrie has admitted he is feeling the pressure more as he returns to Wimbledon after last year's extraordinary run, but is confident he can recreate his success.

Norrie said: "There are more questions about expectation being asked. But I'd rather have that than the opposite to that and be like, 'You're going to bomb out the first round again here'.

"You have to embrace the pressure, you have to enjoy it. Last year I did a really good job of that, enjoying the matches and the media. I loved every moment of it. I had all my friends and family watching. I think it's another opportunity to go out and enjoy the week.

"It's a good opportunity and a good test for me. I love tests like that. I'm really looking forward to it. Every Wimbledon is a special one. It's my favourite tournament."

Here's all you need to know about Cameron Norrie's Wimbledon campaign and his links to Newcastle United.

When does Cameron Norrie play at Wimbledon, and against who?

Cameron Norrie will play his first Wimbledon match of the year on day two of the tournament, Tuesday, July 4.

The Brit will face Czech star Tomas Machac who is ranked 108 in the world, making Norrie a clear favourite.

The Order of Play will be published by Wimbledon after the culmination of action on day one.

Is Cameron Norrie a Newcastle United fan?

Cameron Norrie was born in South Africa, over 8,000 miles away from St James' Park, but is indeed a Newcastle United fan.

Norrie's footballing allegiances were confirmed last year as tennis fans went about the famous 'Murray's Mount' or 'Henman's Hill' to 'Cameron Kop'. However, the star's followers nipped that in the bud by confirming he was a Magpies supporter.

With his shared love for the club confirmed, Newcastle United fans got fully behind Norrie's dream Wimbledon run last season, none more so than club co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi who invited the tennis star to a match at St James' Park.

Ghodoussi took to Twitter to send the invitation to Norrie after his 'incredible win'. Replying with a series of black and white circles, the Brit said: "Thank you!! And will do!!"

What has Cameron Norrie said about sportswashing?

Cameron Norrie hasn't spoken directly about sportswashing accusations connected to Newcastle United after his new friendship with co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi, but was asked about the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia in November last year.

The 12-man tennis competition followed Saudi Arabia's hosting of an F1 event and investment in Newcastle United and LIV Golf to lead to accusations of sportswashing.

Saudi Arabia is known to have some of the worst human rights records in the world. In the Middle Eastern country, women are subject to regular discrimination, free speech and protests are banned, torture and executions are employed and homosexuality is punishable by death.

Amnesty International called on Norrie to speak out about human rights in the country, but the tennis pro stated: "I’m not a politician and I don't feel it’s right for me to get involved with individual government politics.

"My job is to be a professional tennis player and this event in Saudi allows me to train with some of the best players in the world and to potentially win the Australian Open."