\n<\/p>\n
A “nervous” Norrie was worried about being first on court at 11:00 local time and need to fuel up before playing an opponent who was ranked inside the top 20 a year ago – and against whom he had lost three of four past meetings.<\/p>\n
Ultimately the 30-year-old did not need to be overly concerned, as Norrie was leading 7-5 6-4 when Korda, 25, ended the match early.<\/p>\n
American Korda only returned to tour action last week following a near three-month shin stress fracture lay-off.<\/p>\n
He called a medical timeout at the start of the second set against Norrie when he appeared to be struggling with an abdominal issue.<\/p>\n
Although Korda persevered for the remainder of the set he was unwilling to go any further, sending Norrie through to face either Argentine Francisco Comesana or American Alex Michelsen.<\/p>\n
Norrie, who withdrew from the 2024 US Open with an arm injury, made his debut at Flushing Meadows in 2017 but still feels the nerves in New York.<\/p>\n
“I was very nervous for the match,” said Norrie.<\/p>\n
“Playing a Grand Slam match at 11am and trying to get rice down at 10am is not easy!”<\/p>\n
On Korda’s retirement, Norrie said: “I feel for Sebastian. He’s been out the whole summer, he’s an amazing talent and he’s beaten me the last few times we’ve played.<\/p>\n
“It’s tough to see him ending like that.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n