- British No 1 Cameron Norrie faced off against Casper Ruud in the third round
- Norrie defeated his world No 11 opponent in four sets by 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3
- Norrie is in the last-16 of the Australian Open for the first time in his career
Cameron Norrie reached the last-16 of the Australian Open after a stunning four-set win over Casper Ruud.
The British No 1 defeated his Norwegian opponent, who is a three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, 6-4 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-3.
It is also the first time Norrie has ever reached the last-16 of the Australian Open and he had never beaten world No 11 Ruud in a competitive encounter before.
It was a brilliant display from the 28-year-old, who also missed a set point during the second set tie break, before romping home to win the third and fourth.
Norrie remains the only British player left standing in Melbourne after a gruelling clash that lasted more than three hours.
Cameron Norrie reached the last-16 of the Australian Open after beating Casper Ruud
The British No 1 overcame his Norwegian opponent – who he head never beaten – in four sets
It was a strong performance by Norrie who will play in the last-16 for the first time in his career
He celebrated emphatically after his victory and ran straight towards the British supporters in the crowd, handing out towels to adoring fans.
Speaking after his victory, Norrie said: ‘Honestly, it feels so special, especially on this court. I think I practiced only once on this court.
‘I didn’t realise this court was going to be this atmosphere so it feels so good.
‘I had to play really big and Casper served well and fought hard and I didn’t really let it bother me.
‘I just kept a really good level throughout and it was a good mental performance (from me) to come out with a lot of energy in the third set.
‘So I really enjoyed it and stuck to my game plan and I got through. I’ve been working really hard in the off-season to be a little bit more aggressive and I tried to free up in the match today.
‘I volleyed really well which got me through and finished a lot of points at the net.
‘I was just enjoying myself out there and the crowd were amazing. There were all sorts of nicknames flying out there. Someone said “come on Noz dog” and then “Noz” and all things like that. Everyone enjoyed themselves I think.
Norrie remains the last Brit standing in Melbourne and thanked supporters after his victory
Norrie was backed by a large British contingent in the John Cain Arena on Saturday
‘I could tell you guys had a few drinks on a Saturday so it was a good atmosphere.’
Norrie will take on either Alexander Zverev or Alex Michelsen in the next round and the Brit revealed he would keep an eye on their encounter later today.
‘I’ve been watching all the matches, so I’ll watch that,’ he added. ‘But I’ll enjoy today and get out and practice tomorrow.
‘I’m really pleased to be through and what a great match. I’ll just enjoy this one now.’
