Norrie beats Fearnley after firework disruption

Cameron Norrie maintained his attraction to hit British rival Jacob Fearnley successful a French Open third-round lucifer disrupted by large fireworks extracurricular Paris St-Germain's stadium.

Norrie, 29, was replaced by 23-year-old Fearnley arsenic nan British number 2 earlier this year, but laid down his authority successful a 6-3 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 win.

Bangs were heard passim nan mostly of nan lucifer arsenic PSG fans geared up for their shot team's Champions League last against Inter Milan successful Munich.

"It was difficult managing nan fireworks adjacent doorway - that was nan toughest portion for some of us," Norrie, who is classed 81st successful nan world, said.

Norrie - playing astatine his champion level for a while aft a mates of difficult seasons - utilized his acquisition to return power against his chap Scot.

It managed to subdue French Open debutant Fearnley, who appeared to prime up an wounded successful nan 2nd set.

Fearnley, classed 55th, produced a double responsibility connected lucifer constituent arsenic Norrie reached nan past 16 of nan clay-court Grand Slam for nan first time.

The reward could beryllium a gathering pinch erstwhile world number 1 Novak Djokovic, who plays later connected Saturday.

Norrie and Fearnley - who had ne'er played astatine ATP level antecedently - shared a lukewarm clasp astatine nan nett aft a three-hour title played successful bizarre circumstances.

Almost 50,000 supporters were arriving astatine nan Parc des Princes - which is complete nan roadworthy from Roland Garros - to watch nan crippled connected large screens.

Norrie had to abort his service erstwhile he led 4-1 successful nan second-set tie-break, but refocused to unafraid a commanding lead.

As good arsenic nan fireworks, nan players could besides perceive car horns tooting and constabulary sirens during nan opening 2 sets.

The sound subsided successful nan 3rd group - arsenic nan shot match's kick-off clip approached - and Norrie cruised to victory.

"I consciousness awesome - it was really reliable to get there," said Norrie.

"It was a reliable lucifer playing Jacob. He's had an astonishing play and breakthrough connected nan tour."