Norrie finds another level to beat Ruud and reach Australian Open fourth round – The Guardian

Cameron Norrie arrived in his Australian Open third round contest against Casper Ruud with the cards stacked against him. He had won just one set in losing their three previous meetings, evidence of an extremely unfavourable match-up. If he did not make significant changes to his game, it was very likely to lose.

So it is to his immense credit that he did not hesitate to adapt his game and showed a new dimension to his tennis. Instead of grinding from behind the baseline as he has successfully done in his career, Britain’s world ranked No 8 took the initiative at the net, placed his opponent under constant pressure and emerged with a stellar 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-3 win over Ruud to reach the fourth round.

“In terms of performances, it was up there with one of my best I think in a Grand Slam,” said Norrie. “Losing that second set, a few set points, and he served really well. I came out with a lot of energy. Then down a break in the third. Managed to stay really tough. But I was committed to the game plan, and I loved it. I played really well today. Good day.”

Not only does the victory move Norrie into the last 16 of the Australian Open for the first time, but he has pulled it off with one of the best ever wins. Despite being a top 20 player for the last three years, this is just the second time in 12 attempts that Norrie has defeated a top-20 opponent at a grand slam tournament and No 11 Ruud is his biggest ranking win at this level.

Ten days ago it was hard to imagine such a result. Norrie began the tournament with notable injury concerns after wrist pain forced him to withdraw from Auckland, which was once the 28-year-old’s home tournament. Then he stared down the prospect of defeat in the second round, trailing Giulio Zeppieri, a qualifier, by two sets before turning the match around across five sets.

“I think from following that match, I didn’t really play my best and wasn’t really feeling mentally that good and was able to win that match in five sets,” he said. “So I think I was feeling really confident after that one. Then waking up this morning, I was feeling good and ready to take it to Casper.”

After overcoming those significant obstacles, Norrie entered the third round match with his confidence reinforced. He burst out the blocks playing inspired, intelligent tennis and looked to take control of the exchanges, relentlessly attacking Ruud’s backhand, storming the net and forcing the Norwegian to find a passing shot on his weaker wing. He also served well and kept Ruud off-balance and guessing by slipping in drop shots as he broke serve once and rolled through the set.

The momentum had clearly shifted in Ruud’s favour. After easing through his service games, the Norwegian took a break lead at 3-2 in the third set, seemingly in control. But Norrie instantly responded by returning to the tactics that had served him so well. He smothered Ruud’s backhand side, volleyed brilliantly and constantly challenged his opponent to find passing shots with his backhand.

Having retrieved the break and sullied his opponent’s momentum, Norrie rolled through the remainder of the match on his terms. He held his nerve at the end, clinching the final game by closing out each winning point at the net. As John Cain Arena shook, Norrie finished one of the best performances of his life by winning 41 of 56 net points, striking 63 winners and offering a glimpse of new capabilities on the court.

Afterwards, Norrie explained why he had committed so strongly to playing such attacking tennis despite the success he has had the other way, He noted that while his matches have always been physical, he was often tthe player doing the physical work. He is trying to ensure that the work is more evenly distributed in matches.

“I think I was before playing physical, and it was physical for me and not so much for the other guy,” he said. “I think trying to make it physical for the other guy and that kind of involves being aggressive. I think that’s kind of when I’m playing my best tennis.”

After Wimbledon, Norri’s form was in freefall. Norrie lost 13 of his last 17 matches in the season. He seemed burned out from the weight of his heavy schedule and the supreme efforts it had taken on him. Norrie said he focused on having a good off-season. Now he is rejuvenated.

“I think it just helped having a good break and a really good offseason to put a lot of time on the court and get better as a player,” said Norrie. “I think just it 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. I’ll enjoy today and then move on.”

Norrie will next face Alexander Zverev, the sixth seed, after Zverev convincingly moved past Michelsen with a 6-2, 7-6 (4).