World No.22 Cameron Norrie has landed a spot in the Australian Open round of 16 for the first time in his career, defeating No.11 Casper Ruud.
After losing in the second set, the Brit kept his cool to win the match 6-4, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.
Norrie had to defy a crowd that seemed to support the Norwegian more often than not, with a big chant of ‘Ruud’ erupting around John Cain Arena after he won the second set.
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Norrie’s class shone through though, producing his best performance of the match in the final set to clinch his maiden feat in the tournament.
“Pulsating affair, that is a very well-deserved victory,” commentator David Culbert said on Nine’s coverage.
Post-match, Norrie explained there weren’t too many concerns after he was forced to fight hard after the second-set loss.
“Honestly it’s so special, especially on this court, I think I practised only once on this court and didn’t realise it was going to be this atmosphere and you guys were behind me from the beginning. So good,” Norrie said on Nine’s coverage.
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“I had to play really brave and almost won that second set and Casper served well, fought hard and I didn’t really let it bother me and it was a good mental performance to come out with a lot of energy in the third set.”
While the majority of the support in the crowd came from Ruud, several union jack flags kept Norrie motivated with the 28-year-old making one particular observation.
“There were all sorts of nicknames out there, come on Noz Dog from over there … I definitely could tell you guys had a few drinks on the Saturday afternoon,” he laughed.
