Indian Wells 2024: Cameron Norrie stunned by thrilling Gael Monfils comeback, Holger Rune beats Lorenzo Musetti

Cameron Norrie was eliminated from Indian Wells in the third round by 37-year-old Gael Monfils, who fought back from a set and a break down to seal a stunning comeback.

Norrie looked on course to progress to the fourth round after edging the first set before going up a break in the second, but a gritty Monfils stood firm to earn a set back and force a decider after a second tie-break.

The Frenchman then claimed the decider to reach the last 16 following a gripping three hour, 12 minute encounter.

Norrie secured a key early break following a lengthy opening game. Monfils conceded a couple of errors which the Brit capitalised on to earn five break points, and following some back and forth finally sealed the break with his sixth opportunity.

Monfils earned a break back chance in the sixth game, and Norrie put into the net with a backhand as the Frenchman broke back for 3-3.

At 5-5, another monstrous game followed. Monfils’ fourth double fault handed Norrie his 20th break point of the match, and Norrie broke after Monfils conceded a sixth double fault.

With Norrie serving for the set, Monfils fought back to force a tie-break with his third of three break points, as his British counterpart went long with an attempted winner.

Both players made unforced errors early in the tie-break, but Norrie displayed some scintillating tennis to seal the first set after one hour and 22 minutes.

The 28-year-old started the second set in a similar fashion, holding serve in the first game before gaining another early break when Monfils conceded yet another double fault.

A third ace could not help Norrie hold for 4-2, as Monfils broke back when the British No. 1 came to the net before hitting a volley long.

The pair exchanged holds until another breaker was needed, which Monfils edged in some style to take the match to a decider.

Monfils continued his resurgent form and struck the decisive blow in the third set to break Norrie for 5-3.

Norrie could not match the world No. 70’s efforts to come from behind to take the match to a tie-break, as the veteran sealed a huge victory.

Monfils will play Casper Ruud in the fourth round.

Seventh seed Holger Rune defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-2 7-6(5) in his opening match of the tournament, after receiving a walkover in the round of 64 against Milos Raonic.

The Dane was too good for his Italian counterpart as he reached the fourth round for the first time in California following a 96-minute encounter.

Rune started fast to dominate the first set before holding firm to deny a second-set fightback from Musetti and confirm his place in the last 16, where he will play Taylor Fritz.

“I felt great,” Rune said after the match. “Finally, the wait was over. I was so eager to play.

“On Saturday, when I heard it was a walkover, obviously I wish [Raonic] all the best. I really wanted to play, but that’s how it is.

“I just got two extra practice days, which is good, and managed to come in in good shape today.”

Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev moved past Tallon Griekspoor with a 7-6(7) 6-3 victory, while Ben Shelton beat Francisco Cerundolo in three sets, winning 7-6(5) 3-6 7-6(5).

Home favourite and 2022 champion Fritz eased into the next round with a 6-2 6-2 win over Sebastian Baez and Ruud, the ninth seed, got the better of the dynamic Arthur Fils 6-2 6-4.