Cameron Norrie’s Australian Open dream ended by Alexander Zverev

It was a recipe for a miserable press conference, or so we thought. Cameron Norrie had just played the longest match of his career, only to be squeezed out at the death by his nemesis Alexander Zverev.

Yet this was far from the case on Monday night. “I think Sascha [Zverev] is probably one of the best players in the world at the moment,” said a buoyant Norrie in the interview room. “Losing in five sets, a few points in it, I think it’s exactly where I want to be. I can take a lot of confidence from that.”

A cynic might read these words and question Norrie’s level of ambition. After all, he had just fallen at the fourth-round stage of the Australian Open, which is only a slightly better outcome than his seeding (No 19) would have predicted.

Yet anyone who has watched Norrie play his last two rounds – first beating 11th seed Casper Ruud, and then coming within three points of victory against sixth seed Zverev – would understand why his glass is half-full. Or even standing at three-quarters.

The difference here has been his sense of adventure. Previously known for grinding away monotonously at the back of the court, Norrie has suddenly developed a taste for the daring raid forward, the rapier volley and the deft drop-shot. He has been possessed by the spirit of D’Artagnan.

The transformation – which has left seasoned tennis-watchers wondering if Norrie had a secret twin – brought a new sense of joy and excitement to his previously one-paced game. At one stage of this entertaining dust-up with Zverev, he tossed in a silky slice-forehand winner of the kind that Roger Federer used to relish.

“It was good fun,” said Norrie, who has never sounded so positive after a defeat. “I really took it to Sascha today, and I think a lot of times I tried to come forward. I’ve been enjoying that, and I think it’s just a lot of learning when you are doing those plays and using the drop-shot.”

With the exception of a brief stoppage caused by a pro-Palestine protestor, the fans on Margaret Court Arena were thoroughly absorbed by the drama. Three noisy lads had come along wearing printed T-shirts that spelled out the letters “N-O-Z”.

Norrie never really managed to get his nose ahead of Zverev, who served like a siege gun and defended superbly with his picture-perfect backhand. But the underdog showed great resilience, twice coming from a set down to level.

The closing moments were nervy on both sides. Serving to stay in the match at 4-5 in the decider, Zverev went on an endless ball-bouncing sequence that recalled Novak Djokovic at his most pusillanimous. He then committed a double fault, which opened the door ever so slightly.

Norrie, equally anxious, handed the initiative straight back by missing a couple of makeable forehands. But the real turning point came in the ten-point super tie-break, when he cooked his own goose by messing up his new toy – that cutesy drop-shot – twice in as many points.

Later, Norrie explained that he had been struggling with the slow, heavy, fluffed-up old balls, which were due for a change in the very next game (had there been one). “He was able to serve a bit better than me and his weight of shot was a bit bigger than mine,” said Norrie, who stands four inches shorter than the 6ft 6in German lighthouse.

Zverev later declared himself delighted with the win, even though the 4hr 5min duration is likely to drain his legs as he heads into the quarter-finals. These two men both live in Monte Carlo, and they practise together regularly, which made his words of praise all the more resonant.

“If he can play this way, then for sure it’s going to make him improve,” said Zverev of Norrie, whom he has now beaten in all five of their meetings at ATP Tour level. “[He was] incredibly aggressive, I thought. Taking the ball very early with his forehand. I think they had a great off-season and he has improved a lot.”

For the British contingent, this has been a tournament of encouraging glimpses (with the exception of Andy Murray, who suffered his most dispiriting major since his hip resurfacing operation five years ago). Jack Draper opened with a thrilling five-set win, overcoming an anxiety attack in the process, while Emma Raducanu played brilliantly in patches against Yafan Wang before fading physically in the decider.

Norrie, the last man standing, is also the first Briton to reach the fourth round here since Kyle Edmunds startling run to the semi-finals 2018. While this is hardly a sensational result, it’s been a delight to see him play a far more attractive brand of tennis. And there’s no doubt that a willingness to come forward – especially when paired with his flat punch of a backhand – should make him more effective on the grass of Wimbledon.

“I think there’s still lots to come,” said Norrie. “I’m still 28 years old. I think you look at the longevity of the other players, and they’re still getting better.

“I just want to keep learning and keep pushing and keep improving,” added Norrie, who has already won a Masters 1000 event (Indian Wells), beaten Carlos Alcaraz in a final (in Rio last February), and been ranked as high as No 8 (in the autumn of 2022). “I know I’ve got the top-10 level in me. I want to just keep taking steps towards that. And, yeah, I’m having fun playing.”

Valient Norrie falls to Zverev in Melbourne: as it happened

10:10 AM GMT

Good effort by Norrie

The quality of the match was up and down at times but it was a great battle with nail-biting moments.

Norrie paid the price for some costly errors early on in the tie break and couldn’t recover. Nevertheless he should be pleased with his efforts in Melbourne having reached the fourth round for the first time and can look forward positively to the upcoming tournaments.

If he brings this attacking tennis to Wimbledon, he will be a threat at SW19.

10:00 AM GMT

Zverev on the possibility of facing Alcaraz in the next round

09:55 AM GMT

Zverev reacts

09:51 AM GMT

Social media reaction

09:45 AM GMT

Heartbreak for Norrie

09:30 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 Zverev - MATCH TIE BREAK

Six match point for Zverev. A nightmare tie break for Norrie sadly...

GAME SET MATCH ZVEREV. Zverev finds the baseline with a forehand down the line and Norrie’s defensive forehand goes into the net, 3-10.

09:28 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-6 Zverev - MATCH TIE BREAK

Norrie goes just a whisker wide with an angled backhand flick, 2-5. Norrie double fault, 2-6. Just his second of the match. But it could prove very costly.

Zverev on the attack and he nails a drive backhand into the corner, 2-7. Norrie in big trouble now.

Norrie forehand into the net, 2-8. Zverev forehand long, 3-8. Another Norrie forehand into the net, 3-9.

09:24 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-6 Zverev - MATCH TIE BREAK

Norrie forehand into the net, 0-1. Attack mode from Norrie with the forehand then with Zverev pushed deep he executes a lovely drop shot winner, 1-1. Ace No 15 for Zverev, 1-2. Norrie steps inside and drills a cross court backhand winner, 2-2.

Norrie tries another drop shot but gets it wrong as the ball goes into the net, 2-3. Another drop shot by Norrie and the ball lands in the tramlines, 2-4.

Maybe he’s overused that shot.

09:19 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-6 Zverev

A 51st and 52nd winner from Zverev to start the game. He moves to 40-0 when Norrie can’t get his return over the net and takes the match into a 10-point match tiebreak after Norrie’s forehand return goes wide.

A fitting way to end the match.

09:15 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-5 Zverev*

The tension is massive right now. Norrie’s 20th unforced error of the set sees him slip to 0-30. But to his credit, he pulls it back to 30-30 with a well-judged backhand winner down the line. No fear in that shot.

Beautifully done by Norrie as he executes a lovely drop shot winner. And he guarantees himself at least a match tiebreak with an overhead winner.

The fans are on their feet. Pressure back on Zverev again.

09:11 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 5-5 Zverev

First point of the game goes to Norrie after a Zverev double fault. He bounced the ball for so long before hitting his second serve.

Forehand into the net by Norrie just as he got himself into the point, 15-15. Norrie forehand wide, 30-15. Blocked return by Norrie drifts just wide, 40-15.

Zverev escapes another service game.

09:05 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 5-4 Zverev*

Terrrific combination of shots from Norrie, keeping Zverev on the move and he finishes with a Henman-esque backhand volley, 30-15.

Norrie moves a game away from the quarter-finals after a big first serve is unreturned by Zverev.

Big pressure on Zverev now. Given the match situation it would not shock me if we see a few wobbles on serve from Zverev.

09:01 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-4 Zverev

Zverev cruises through another service game with a hold to 15 when he puts away a backhand volley for a winner.

08:59 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 4-3 Zverev*

More loose errors from Norrie and he’s needlessly put himself in danger at 0-30. And he slips to 15-40 after another forehand error. That shot has gone AWOL in the last five minutes.

Two break points for Zverev. Norrie saves the first after a sensational cross court backhand is too hot for Zverev.

And the second! Zverev swipes his racket in frustration after tamely hitting a cross court backhand into the tramlines.

Third break point chance for Zverev after Norrie nets a nervous looking backhand. Saved again by Norrie after Zverev strikes his forehand long. He had time but overcooked it.

And Norrie survives when Zverev nets a backhand return. Nerves of steel from Norrie.

08:47 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 3-3 Zverev

This match is very much in the balance. Lapse in concentration by Norrie as he lets Zverev off the hook when he puts a forehand long, 40-0.

Zverev completes a love hold when Norrie can’t get his forehand return into play.

08:44 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 3-2 Zverev*

Perfection from Norrie as he clips the back edge of the baseline with a backhand winner and moves to 40-30 with a forehand winner.

Backhand into the net from Zverev and Norrie holds. Still on serve in this set but I get the sense Norrie has a bit more energy at this stage of the match. His body language is certainly more positive.

08:40 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 2-2 Zverev

No trouble for Zverev here as he has a nice and calm service hold to love.

08:37 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 2-1 Zverev*

Both players feeling the heat on serve at the moment. They are finding it tough to get cheap points and Norrie is having to work very hard. But after four minutes and 29 seconds, Norrie holds to 30.

08:31 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 1-1 Zverev

Ideal response from Norrie as he earns two break back points with a forehand winner down the line after taking on Zverev’s soft second serve.

Good defense from Zverev to save the first break point. But not the second! Norrie breaks straight back when Zverev nets a very nervy mid-court forehand.

08:25 AM GMT

Fifth set: Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 0-1 Zverev*

Brilliant recovery by Norrie from 0-30 down to get to 40-30 with a swinging wide ace. The 19th seed then nets a backhand and it’s deuce.

As we pass the third hour of this match, Norrie nets a forehand after a lung-busting point. Chance for an early break for Zverev.

Norrie misses another forehand and Zverev breaks early in set five.

08:20 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 Zverev

Chance for Norrie here as he takes the initiative and Zverev hits a forehand into the tramlines, 15-30. Two set points for Norrie. Good approach by Zverev but Norrie meets it and drills a backhand pass at the feet of Zverev and the German’s half volley drifts wide.

Sensational tennis by Norrie. We are going the distance here. Norrie on the attack again, he plays a forehand down the line, Zverev goes down the line with his forehand pass but Norrie coolly volleys into the open court to close out the set.

Norrie delivered when it mattered most and got his reward.

08:14 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 5-4 Zverev*

Norrie holds with a wonderful cross-court forehand winner to make Zverev serve to stay in the set.

The quality is rising.

08:11 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 4-4 Zverev

World class backhand from Zverev catches the baseline for a winner, 40-0. He’s in a great rhythm on his serve at the moment and Norrie doesn’t look close to breaking serve at the moment.

Norrie tamely hits a backhand wide to concede the game.

08:07 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 4-3 Zverev*

Norrie ticks off another service game to stay in front. Feels as though the match has drifted into a bit of a lull. But as we approach the business end of the set, Norrie will need to be at his best to get the break and force a decider.

08:02 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 3-3 Zverev

Another routine service hold for Zverev. His backhand is coming to the fore which is bad news for Norrie.

07:59 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 3-2 Zverev*

Norrie looks to serve and volley on his second serve but doesn’t have to as the ball swings away for this ninth ace of the match. Big first serve from Norrie is unreturned by Zverev and he holds.

07:56 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 2-2 Zverev

Fifth double fault of the match from Zverev makes it 40-30 but a forehand winner earns him the game.

07:49 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 2-1 Zverev*

Vintage backhand down the line winner from Zverev on the opening point. One of the best backhands in the business. Norrie recovers from sees the ball zip past him to hit two forehand winners of his own to go 40-15 in front.

And the Briton holds to 30 when Zverev nets a forehand return.

07:46 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-1 Zverev

Back comes Norrie! He goes on the attack with his forehand and brings up two break points for himself. Zverev looks at his support box for help.

Credit to the German he finds his first serve, gets on the front foot and gets back to deuce. And Zverev holds after a cute forehand volley winner.

07:41 AM GMT

Fourth set: Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 1-0 Zverev*

Just the start Norrie would have wanted at the beginning of a must win set. He holds to 15 after four forehand errors from Zverev.

07:33 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 3-6 Zverev

Zverev earns himself two set points but Norrie digs deep, showing great defensive skills to take the game to deuce.

Zverev gets another set point chance and this time he takes the opportunity, drilling a backhand down the line which Norrie can’t get back into play.

Zverev now a set away from the quarter-finals.

07:27 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 3-5 Zverev*

Norrie does what he needs to do by holding serve and making Zverev serve for the third set. Can he break back?

07:23 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 2-5 Zverev

Another game on the board for Zverev as he holds to 30 and he’s a game away from the set.

07:20 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 2-4 Zverev*

From the high of the second set, Norrie’s intensity has dropped markedly and he is facing another break point here. Big ‘come on’ from Norrie after Zverev nets a forehand return, deuce.

Play is stopped after a protest. Someone has thrown a load of leaflets onto the court. The ball kids rush over and clear up the mess. Not clear yet what was written on the paper.

Credit to Norrie as he keeps his focus to hold serve and stay in the set. Would have been easy to lose focus.

07:12 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 1-4 Zverev

Ruthless tennis from Zverev to back up that break. His first serve comes to the fore and in the blink of the eye he holds.

07:10 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 1-3 Zverev*

Loose game from Norrie out of nowhere here. A forehand volley miss gives Zverev three break points. Norrie saves the first but a backhand into the net gifts the service break to the German.

A shake of the head from Norrie says it all. Really poor game from him.

07:05 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 1-2 Zverev

Another routine hold for Zverev, who has done well to weather the storm from Norrie.

07:03 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 1-1 Zverev*

Norrie beautifully guides a forehand into the corner to complete another service hold. Norrie has had to raise his level to what he produced against Ruud and is rising to the occasion.

06:59 AM GMT

Third set: Norrie* 5-7, 6-3, 0-1 Zverev (*denotes next server)

Four straight games from Norrie to take the set which was also the first he’s won against the German in their meetings. Zverev had no real answer to the increased energy and intensity Norrie brought.

Sixth ace of the match from Zverev to get back on track and end Norrie’s streak of games.

06:54 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 6-3 Zverev*

Not an ideal start to this game as Norrie slips to 0-30 after narrowly missing a forehand volley. It was bad miss given how much open court he had to get the ball into.

Two break points for Zverev after Norrie pushes a forehand long. Controlled aggression by the sixth seed.

Norrie saves the first when Zverev nets a forehand. And the second after another Zverev mis-hit on the forehand. He’s hit a few of those today.

Set point Norrie after his seventh ace of the match. Norrie long with a backhand, deuce. A bit too passive there. Third break point for Zverev after Norrie doesn’t do enough with the volley and gets passed with a backhand down the line.

Back to deuce after Norrie shows no hesitation as he drills a forehand winner down the line. Norrie gets a look at a backhand pass put pushes the ball into the tramlines, break point.

Zverev goes down the line with a backhand but the ball lands in the tramlines. Second set point for Norrie after Zverev’s backhand lands wide.

This time Norrie takes it after a huge slice of luck. A tight forehand by Norrie clips the net cord and the ball lands short on Zverev’s side of the net.

Game on!

06:44 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 5-3 Zverev

Norrie is all over Zverev at the moment. He’s going after every short ball he gets from Zverev and he moves to 0-30 with a forehand winner.

Zverev double fault, two break points. Zverev saves the first when Norrie pushes a forehand long. And the second after Norrie nets a forehand return. Will he rue not taking those chances?

Maybe not after he gets another break point chance when Zverev nets a forehand. Zverev mis-hits a forehand long and Norrie breaks!

The Briton will serve for the set next.

06:37 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 4-3 Zverev*

All of a sudden Norrie has upped the aggression and now we are seeing his best tennis of the match. He’s really taking it to Zverev and an ace at 40-15 allows him to consolidate the break.

06:35 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 3-3 Zverev

Norrie needs to respond quickly before the match gets away from him. He hasn’t played badly, Zverev has just been better when it counts.

He gets himself into a decent position here as Zverev nets a forehand, 0-30. And he sets up two break points after finishing at the net following a deep approach.

And he does break back straight away. Norrie steps into the court and drills a brilliant cross court backhand for a winner.

06:29 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 2-3 Zverev*

Chance for Zverev after Norrie serve and volleys of a second serve. Zverev gets up to Norrie’s volley in time but hits a backhand wide, 30-15. Zverev responds to that error with a forehand winner down the line, 30-30.

Break point Zverev after seizing the initiative and forcing the error. Brilliant return by Zverev forces Norrie off court, Norrie attempts a forehand down the line on the highest part of the net but the ball goes into the net.

Zverev breaks.

06:25 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 2-2 Zverev

Zverev forcing Norrie to cover a lot of ground, moving him from left and right and exploiting the open court. He holds again in one minute and 35 seconds.

06:22 AM GMT

Norrie 5-7, 2-1 Zverev*

Exquiste touch from Norrie on the drop shot, 40-30. Great disguise on it. Zverev started running for it but quickly gave up.

Zverev then frames a forehand out of court and Norrie holds. Despite winning the first set, Zverev isn’t happy and is constantly talking to his support box.

06:17 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7, 1-1 Zverev

Zverev continues to be imperious on his serve. He holds to 15 with an ace down the T.

06:16 AM GMT

Second set: Norrie 5-7, 1-0 Zverev* (*denotes next server)

Norrie gets back on track with a quick fire service hold. Must win set for him. Don’t think he can win if he finds himself two sets down.

06:11 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-7 Zverev

First time Norrie has reached 30-30 on the Zverev after the German goes long with a forehand.

Quality point from Norrie. He shows good patience, blasts a forehand deep and Zverev can’t get the ball over the net. First break point for Norrie.

Gusty play by Zverev as he finds the line with a forehand winner, deuce. Set point Zverev after Norrie nets a backhand. Norrie takes it to Zverev again, setting up the point with a deep forehand return and finishing it off with a forehand winner.

Backhand return into the net by Norrie, second set point. Forehand return into the net by Norrie and after 47 minutes, Zverev takes the opening set.

06:02 AM GMT

Norrie 5-6 Zverev*

Problems for Norrie here as he slips to 0-30 when he sends a backhand well wide of the court.

Point of the match. 16 shots, Norrie tries to up the aggression, he approaches into the Zverev backhand and gets punished with a lovely cross court backhand winner, two break points.

Norrie saves the first when Zverev flicks a forehand long. Zverev drops the ball short, enticing Norrie to come forward but he nets the forehand approach.

Zverev breaks and will serve for the set next.

05:58 AM GMT

Norrie* 5-5 Zverev

Zverev moves to five out of five at the net with a neat forehand volley, 40-15. He’s been to the net more than Norrie which shows how well he’s done to nullify the Briton.

Another Zverev first serve is unreturned by Norrie and the sixth seed holds again.

05:54 AM GMT

Norrie 5-4 Zverev*

Norrie has won one out of five points on his second serve but fortunately for him he’s been able to get his first serve into play far more frequently.

A fourth ace of the set earns him another service hold.

05:51 AM GMT

Norrie* 4-4 Zverev

Zverev joins Norrie on three aces for the set when he moves to 40-15. Unreturned first serve from Zverev and he holds.

Still no break points as we enter into the business end of the set.

05:47 AM GMT

Norrie 4-3 Zverev*

Third ace of the set from Norrie to complete another emphatic service game. This is just the start he would have wanted.

05:44 AM GMT

Norrie* 3-3 Zverev

Double fault by Zverev to start the game. That second serve is something to keep an eye on...

The German responds to that error by moving to 40-15 and a big first serve helps him hold serve again. He’s 9/9 when he gets his first serve in.

05:40 AM GMT

Norrie 3-2 Zverev*

Backhand approach by Norrie is good but Zverev’s cross-court backhand is even better, zipping past the Briton at the net, 30-30.

But Norrie continues to hit his spots on the first serve and he stays ahead. He is getting 75 per cent of first serves in and when that happens he wins 92 per cent of the points.

05:36 AM GMT

Norrie* 2-2 Zverev

A weakness for Zverev has always been his second serve. A double fault makes it 40-15 but he responds with an ace to seal the game.

05:34 AM GMT

Norrie 2-1 Zverev*

Norrie will need to mix things up, be unpredictable and make Zverev uncomfortable. Dragging Zverev to the net is a good way to do that and Norrie wins a couple of points with some well hit drop shots.

Big serve from Norrie is unreturned and his good start continues.

05:31 AM GMT

Norrie* 1-1 Zverev

Ominous service game from Zverev as he holds to love in one minute and 40 seconds. The German consistently hitting serves of 200km/h.

05:28 AM GMT

First set: Cameron Norrie 1-0 Alexander Zverev* (*denotes next server)

Norrie attacked the net over 50 times against Casper Ruud. Will be interesting to see if he can do that again.

Zverev’s ball striking is very crisp in the opening stages here, pinning back Norrie. But he finds a way to move forward at 40-30 and finishes off the game with a lovely overhead winner.

05:22 AM GMT

Coin toss

Zverev wins the flip of the coin and opts to receive first interestingly.

Putting early pressure on Norrie.

05:18 AM GMT

Here come the players

Norrie walks out first for this showdown. It’s a warm day and he is protecting himself with sunscreen across his nose and cheek. Zverev hold him out in a lime Adidas jacket

A place in the quarter-finals awaits the winner!

05:11 AM GMT

WATCH: In case you missed this audacious shot from Khachanov yesterday

05:03 AM GMT

Zverev on facing Norrie

04:54 AM GMT

Laura Robson on Norrie

Watch every moment of the Australian Open live and exclusive on discovery+ and Eurosport

04:46 AM GMT

Overnight in Melbourne

Czech teenager Linda Noskova reached her first grand slam quarter-final after Elina Svitolina retired due to an injury.

The Ukrainian was trailing 3-0 in the first set and had already taken a medical timeout when she was forced to quit due to what appeared to be an issue with her lower back.

Dayana Yastremska sent Victoria Azarenka crashing out of the tournament as the 23-year-old prevailed 7-6(6), 6-4 to also book a spot in her first Melbourne Park last eight match.

04:39 AM GMT

Australian Open betting offers and free bets

Having a bet on the tennis? First take a look at these Australian Open betting offers for the best free bets.

04:35 AM GMT

Norrie eyes Australian Open last eight

Good morning! Hello and welcome to coverage of Cameron Norrie’s fourth round match at the Australian Open against Alexander Zverev.

This is unchartered territory for Norrie as it is the first time he’s reached the second week in Melbourne but he earned his place with a brilliant performance and victory over Casper Ruud in the previous round.

Having struggled during the second half of last season, Norrie appears rejuvenated and he said: “Even just being in the second week for the first time in Australia, never done that. It means a lot to do that and start the year playing some good tennis.

“I think it just helped having a good break and a really good off-season to put a lot of time on the court and get better as a player.

“I think it just comes down to how can you play the biggest points the best and feeling calm and feeling good about yourself. I have done that, and I was feeling that coming into the season.

“I want to keep going. I know it just gets tougher. Next match is going to be tougher.”

Zverev has beaten Norrie on each of the four previous occasions they have played without dropping a set.

He had a sneak peek at Norrie’s new attacking tactics when they trained together during pre-season and the German said: “I actually thought he played exactly what he was working on in the off-season.

“We obviously spent the off-season together in Monaco, so I’ve seen him every single day. This is exactly what he was working on.”

He continued: “When you think of Cameron Norrie, you normally think of somebody who grinds a lot, a big fighter. But in the off-season he really worked on his game and he really worked on the aggressive style of play. He really worked on coming forward.

“It was very noticeable in December, and you can see it on the court now. The work is paying off for him.”

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