Cameron Norrie is the last remaining British player in the men’s and women’s singles at the Australian Open after he recovered from two sets down to defeat Giulio Zeppieri 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, giving a full demonstration of his grit and nerve as he reached the third round at Melbourne Park.
Armed with an enormous lefty serve and forehand, Zeppieri, an Italian qualifier, dominated Norrie for two sets with his destructive ball-striking. But Norrie remained composed, began to take control in the second set and never let up, methodically turning the match around.
“I just managed to rise the energy a little bit,” said Norrie. “He dropped slightly. I think when the first rain delay came, I just felt a little bit calmer coming out to court. I got a chance to chat with my coach and change the game plan a little bit, to play a little bit more to the backhand side. But I was really pleased more mentally how I managed to switch it around.”
Norrie, seeded 19th, will face Casper Ruud, the 11th seed, as he attempts to reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the first time in his career. The Norwegian survived a difficult challenge from the home favourite Max Purcell, winning 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7).
On a day filled with British players in action, there was little hope elsewhere. Jack Draper was outclassed by Tommy Paul, the 14th seed and last year’s semi-finalist, who returned to the third round with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win.
“Obviously when you are playing a top player like that, if they’re playing well, there are very small margins in it. I think maybe I was a little bit off how I can play, and he played a really good level. I think he was the better player today. He deserved to win,” said Draper.
Zheng Qinwen, one of the most talented young players on the tour, likewise was too good for Katie Boulter, who fell 6-3, 6-3 to the 12th seed. Later on Wednesday, Emma Raducanu was defeated 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 by Wang Yafan.
“Tough day today,” said Boulter. “I wouldn’t say it was my best tennis. I wouldn’t say it was my worst. I felt like I did everything I could today. I fought. I did everything to the best that I could. I felt like it was really tricky out there. She just played better than me today.”
