The patchwork of grass at Queen’s Club will feel distinctly familiar when 28‑year‑old Cameron Norrie, a Putney local, strolls onto Centre Court next week. Norrie—a former world No 8 who reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2022—has received a wildcard into the ATP 500 tournament, marking his first grass‑court event of the season .
Just a short drive away, fellow Brit Dan Evans, now 35, has also been granted a wildcard—adding veteran savvy to the British contingent. Evans, a one-time top‑25 player and member of the triumphant 2015 Davis Cup team, brings a crafty, unpredictable game well suited to grass.
The wildcard pair will join a strong home-grown line-up, including Jack Draper—the world No 4 and second seed, hailing from Sutton—and Jacob Fearnley, who snatched a main draw spot after withdrawals from Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti.
A Tale of Two Brits from Putney
Cameron Norrie’s journey reads like a London‑based fairytale. After college tennis in the US and rising to No 8 in 2022, he’s maintained a solid build-up: reaching the French Open fourth round and the Geneva semi-final in his past two events . Now back on home turf, his Putney roots will be very much in focus as he seeks to re-capture grass‑court form.
Dan Evans, based primarily in Dubai but with a reputation forged on these courts, earned his spot through consistent tour-level performances—notably via qualifying success at ’s‑Hertogenbosch just days ago. His one‑handed backhand and tactical flair will be well-suited to test opponents on slick grass.
Building Momentum for Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just around the corner, these wildcards hold weight well beyond local pride. For Norrie, it’s a chance to rekindle 2022 form and gain essential rhythm; for Evans, it’s a valuable test of his veteran instincts amid a stacked draw.
They’ll join Draper, Fearnley—and top draw names including reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz—in what promises to be a compelling prelude to SW19.
What This Means for Putney & British Tennis
- Home advantage meets homegrown talent: Norrie’s Putney links add local colour to Queen’s, reinforcing the deepening roots of elite tennis in southwest London.
- Wildcards with purpose: These aren’t consolatory entries. Norrie and Evans are established ATP forces, primed to launch high‑level matches and possibly key rounds.
- Momentum makers: With Wimbledon looming, a strong showing can boost confidence and seeding—all part of a carefully mapped grass‑court campaign.
Next week, Putney pride will be on display at Queen’s: two talented Britons, each taking their shot on Centre Court, and writing a fresh chapter in the story of British tennis.
