Dan Evans vs Cameron Norrie Prediction: Battle of the Brits 2020

Britain's number-one ranked singles player, Dan Evans will lock horns against World number 71, Cameron Norrie in the Battle of the Brits event. 

After starting his campaign with a straight-set loss against the former World number 1, Andy Murray, Dan Evans made amends with a comfortable 7-5 6-0 win over World number 347, Jan Choinski. He also thrashed Liam Broady 6-0 6-2 in the next match. 

Cameron Norrie began his run with a close 7-6 7-6 defeat at the hands of World number 303, Jack Draper. The teenager kept his nerves under control in the two tiebreakers to emerge victorious. It was his career-best win against a higher-ranked player. He pressed Norrie in the gruelling encounter to make a couple of unforced errors and made him struggle to find his range in the crucial moments. 

Overall, Draper clinched 70% of his first-serve points, smashed six aces, and broke Norrie's serve once. It was a good comeback from Draper after losing his first match 7-5 6-4 to Liam Broady. 

The British number 8, had credited the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) for improving his game and helping him with funding. He is also a recipient of the LTA's Pro Scholarship Program. He was thrust into the limelight when he reached the finals of the Wimbledon boys' singles in 2018. 

He has been working a lot with his coach, James Trotman on and off the court. Trotman was earlier credited for improving Kyle Edmund's game. 

On the other hand, Dan Evans seems to be fine-tuning his game ahead of the full-fledged new season. If he maintains his composure and returns the serve efficiently, his game looks wonderful to the eye. He broke into the top 30 of the rankings this year for the first time ever. His nagging backhand slice and deft volleys have been his strongest weapons. 

Dan Evans beat Cameron Norrie in the finals of the Aptos ATP Challenger in 2016 in straight sets. Evans and Norrie were doubles partners in the French Open and the US Open last year. 

Having bounced back after a tough opening loss, Evans will look to continue the winning momentum. Norrie needs a special effort to notch up his first win in the tournament. He will have to be at his best to beat the defending champion. 

Prediction - Dan Evans to win in three sets 

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