“I was disappointed with the US Open and how that went, especially as I’d built up some confidence and I was really looking forward to playing well there,” Norrie said. “It didn’t happen for me and I was actually a bit sick after the US Open so I’ve been at home resting.
“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve never played Davis Cup in London so it’s going to be a special one. It’s nice to be back in the UK. All my family are here to support me and some friends as well.
“We have a really strong team. It’s a unique week, being with the boys, it’s not like the other weeks on the tour. You have everyone around to bounce the energy off. They’ve been some really memorable weeks for me and hopefully we can have another one here.”
Fery and Norrie share several things in common. Both played in the NCAA as part of their development, both have reached semi-finals at Wimbledon, they have similar game styles, they are relentless competitors and they are both fully dedicated to their craft.
Since going out of the US Open, both have been straight back to work, training together at the National Tennis Centre, building up to this all-important Davis Cup tie.
The respect they have for each other’s game and achievements is clear, and Norrie has noticed an added layer of intensity to Fery’s preparations.
“I got to London early and have been practicing indoors – I’ve had some really good sessions with Arthur,” Norrie said.
“He’s definitely more confident and I can see that he’s a lot more focused and a lot more invested in his team. We were doing sessions when we’re the only two here, which is nice to see him putting in the work. We played a set yesterday and there were no bad points.
“I can see the level of focus and determination is different and he’s not getting distracted. He’s working hard and coming forward really well. I’m impressed with him.”
Speaking on his British teammate, Fery added, “It’s awesome to be playing with him and training here. We had two really good sessions.
“We both play in similar ways so we have great practices and we both push each other a lot. The intensity is really high and it’s a good workout. The level has been pretty high.
“You know when you step on court with him you’re going to hit a lot of balls so you have to be ready.”
Great Britain will take on Ecuador in the Davis Cup Qualifiers second round from 19-20 September at London’s Copper Box Arena.