Cam goes on attack but falls short again

BRITISH SINGLES HOPES ENDED AS ZVEREV CONTINUES WINNING RUN

- By ELEANOR CROOKS

Cameron Norrie hits a backhand in his defeat to Alexander Zverev in Melbourne

CAMERON Norrie admitted he came up short after a familiar defeat against Alexander Zverev ended British singles hopes at the Australian Open.

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 here, 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 level he needed.