British No.1 Cameron Norrie beat Casper Ruud 6-Four 6-7 (7-9) 6-Four 6-Three to achieve the second week of the Australian Open for the primary time in his profession; We’ll be bringing you reside scores, stories, evaluation and options from Melbourne over the following two weeks
Cameron Norrie, Britain’s sole survivor within the singles competitors, reached the second week of the Australian Open for the primary time due to a superb four-set victory over Casper Ruud.
Norrie has by no means overwhelmed a participant as excessive as world quantity 11 Ruud at a significant event, whereas he has misplaced all three of his earlier matches towards the Norwegian, who’s a three-time Grand Slam finalist.
However the 28-year-old performed with goal and aggression to say a 6-Four 6-7 (7-9) 6-Four 6-Three victory.
Generally referred to as a baseline grinder, Norrie discovered the again of the web 56 instances in the course of the contest and notched 63 winners.
Contemplating the event, this is likely one of the finest wins of his profession and he mentioned: “It is so particular. We merely saved an excellent degree all through the match.
“I labored actually onerous within the offseason making an attempt to be slightly extra aggressive. I used to be in a position to break away within the sport and I actually let myself go.”
Ruud’s forehand is a formidable weapon and Norrie went straight for his backhand, which instantly paid off with a 2-1 break.
The British No.1 needed to dig deep to carry on to his lead, climbing out of a Zero-40 gap within the sixth sport and saving one other break level at 5-Four earlier than serving out.
Ruud was the higher participant within the second set – Norrie once more recovered from Zero-40 down within the third sport – with the Norwegian barely going through any stress on serve.
The tie-break ought to have been Norrie’s however he narrowly missed a backhand down the road at 6-Four and Ruud saved one other set level with an enormous serve earlier than successful the second likelihood with an ace.
Down a set, it should have been irritating for Norrie and Ruud regarded to have the match in management when he finally transformed his ninth break level to guide Three-2.
Nevertheless, Norrie hit straight again with Ruud out of the blue beneath stress on serve.
The previous Wimbledon semi-finalist got here to the web on nearly each level and created a set level at 5-Four, taking it when Ruud hit a backhand.
The 11th seed had additionally performed a 5 setter within the second spherical, however the combat appeared to empty him early within the fourth and though he compelled a break level at 2-Four, Norrie once more had the reply.
Talking concerning the environment on the John Cain Area, Norrie added: “There have been all kinds of nicknames there. Come on, Noz-dog, Noz, all that stuff. It was great things. I might let you know guys a number of glasses. on a Saturday afternoon – excellent environment!”
Norrie will face sixth seed Alexander Zverev or unseeded American teenager Alex Michelsen within the spherical of 16 on Monday.
Is Norrie the brand new Henman?
Sky Sports activities’ Raz Mirza:
Norrie became Tim Henman on John Cain right now, the Brit modified his sport plan to lastly get that elusive win over Ruud and he deserved it too.
He went to the web 56 instances, successful 41 of these factors, and even began serving and volleying within the massive moments.
It was like watching Henman in his prime at Wimbledon, however right here Norrie knew what he needed to do to subdue the three-time Grand Slam finalist, executing a complete of 63 winners and claiming one of the his massive Grand Slam wins.
This can be a comeback for Norrie who we noticed win the title at Indian Wells in addition to attain the semifinals at Wimbledon.
He could have slipped off the radar final 12 months, however Cam is again to his finest right here in Melbourne and there are actual hopes he can go even deeper this event.
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