NZ-raised Cameron Norrie has become a fan favourite, after another stunning performance at Wimbledon, much to the delight of his Auckland-based parents.
The Kiwi-Brit fought back to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final with an incredible five-set win over valiant Belgian David Goffin.
Norrie was born in South Africa, but moved to New Zealand with his British father and Welsh mother in 1998, and resided there until he relocated to the UK in 2011.
The 26-year-old represented New Zealand as a junior, becoming No.10 in the world, before switching his allegiance to Great Britain.
But Norrie's father, David, feels his son - who is a self-confessed All Blacks fan - will return in the future.
"I think a little bit of him will always be New Zealand and at some stage he might go back," he said.
Norrie was made to work hard for his win over Goffin, after needing just three sets to beat his opponents in the previous two rounds.
He's been pushed to five-sets twice during his Wimbledon run, but faces a daunting prospect in the shape of Novak Djokovic in the semi-final on Saturday.
David Norrie concedes it's never easy watching his son play, but they are relishing the opportunity to view in person, after being restricted by COVID-19 over the past few years.
"I drink a lot of water… I might drink something stronger after, we will see how it goes," he said.
"We couldn’t travel out of NZ for a couple years, nobody could. It’s been a tough couple of years watching from overseas, so it’s nice.
"Whatever happens today, it’s nice to share in his success."
The local hope has quickly become a fan favourite, with even the Royal Family present to cheer on his most recent win and with chants of "Norrie, Norrie" echoing around Court One.
Norrie will have another opportunity to put on a show for his supporters and is relishing the chance to play the tennis great.
"I'm going to enjoy that and take it to him, and hopefully, you can get behind me again," he said.
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