British interest ended as Norrie falls to Zverev

CAMERON

- ELEANOR CROOKS

Cameron Norrie was unable to sustain his level against Alexander Zverev

(Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Norrie admitted he came up short after a familiar defeat against Alexander Zverev ended British singles hopes at the Australian Open yesterday.Norrie was the only British player to make the third round and knew he would have his work cut out against third seed Zverev, who has now beaten him in all seven of their tour-level meetings.

Two years ago, Norrie pushed the German all the way to a fifth-set tiebreak in the last 16 at Melbourne Park, and he gave himself a chance by taking the second set only to fade badly in a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 defeat.

Norrie’s game plan was apparent from the start, the 26th seed stepping into the court and attacking Zverev at every opportunity, but he was unable to sustain the required level.