British primary Cameron Norrie says he “didn’t play my greatest tennis” after needing three units to beat Japanese qualifier Sho Shimabukuro within the first spherical of the Nottingham Open.
Norrie has struggled for kind this 12 months and was taking part in in his first match since he was crushed within the opening spherical of the French Open.
The 28-year-old wanted one hour and 43 minutes to finish his 6-1 4-6 6-3 win.
At one stage it appeared like he would wrap up a fast victory after taking the primary set in simply 21 minutes in opposition to the world quantity 215.
However Norrie misplaced serve at 4-4 within the second as Shimabukuro compelled a decider.
Norrie then broke his opponent halfway by way of the third set and later mentioned he “needed to scrap” for the win.
“I had a disappointing clay season. I needed to do significantly better within the French Open, however I believe it is a constructive that I get to return right here and put together higher for the grass,” Norrie mentioned.
“I do not assume I performed my greatest, all the time that first match again on grass is just not simple.”
Norrie will face Jack Pinnington Jones within the second spherical on Thursday after the 21-year-old defeated Arthur Fery 4-6 7-5 6-3 in an all-British first-round tie.
“I need to get matches this week,” Norrie added. “I am actually excited, I do know I can play properly on the grass.”