Cameron Norrie’s dreams of advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time were dashed by Jiri Lehecka’s five-set victory.
The British No. 1 initially battled in windy circumstances but appeared to be on the right track as he took two sets to one lead. But the 21-year-old Lehecka ranked No. 71 in the world, fought back, and Norrie took a medical timeout early in the fifth set to receive treatment for his left knee before losing 6-7 (8), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Norrie, who defeated Lehecka on his route to the final of the ATP tournament in his hometown of Auckland last week and began the season by overcoming Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz at the United Cup, will be quite disappointed.
Lehecka, who has a powerful serve and forehand and won the first set by forcing Norrie to save three break points, was unable to capitalize on a 6-4 advantage in the tie-break. Norrie’s fierce spirit was on display as he saved three set points, the first with an excellent pass down the line, then won his second opportunity.
But the 27-year-old was not performing well, missing numerous forehand shots, and Lehecka maintained an early lead to win the second set. Norrie appeared to find his rhythm in the third set, committing just six unforced errors compared to 27 in the previous two sets, but the momentum shifted at the beginning of the fourth.
Norrie loses Australian Open
When the 11th seed lost serve again in the opening game of the deciding set and asked the trainer to wrap his left knee, he was in serious trouble.
After falling behind by two breaks, Norrie tried hard to find a way back, but he was unable to conjure the same magic as Andy Murray and Lehecka, who served out the match to love for the biggest moment of his young career.
Stefanos Tsitsipas continued his steady progression through the draw to set up a fourth-round duel with Jannik Sinner. The third-seeded Greek is the highest-ranked player remaining following the eliminations of Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud. He arrived in Melbourne full of optimism after beginning the season unbeaten. He has yet to drop a set and defeated Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in three sets, 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-3.
Tsitsipas faces Sinner
Tsitsipas has reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park in three of the past four years, and he hopes to continue his run this season. He stated, “I have never made predictions since the sport I decided to play is inherently unexpected. Certainly, there are favorites. Everyone is aware of it.
“It doesn’t matter whom I’m playing for if my head is elsewhere. No matter who is on the opposing side of the net, it makes no difference if I am unable to generate good shots, hit huge shots in crucial situations, and be daring in crucial moments.
“It is always my decision. I do not believe there are any gifts. You should pursue it, create those possibilities, and aim high within yourself, sometimes exceeding your capabilities. I take pleasure in doing this. When I find myself surpassing it, it is a lovely sensation.”
In the fourth round, he will face Italian 15th seed Sinner, who became the latest player to come back from two sets behind with a 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 triumph over Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.
Tsitsipas and Sinner have met five times in the past, including last year’s quarterfinals, which the Greeks won in straight sets. Sinner, age 21, stated, “I always look forward to these types of matchups, knowing that he is one of the world’s finest players. But I have altered my game a bit. This will hopefully be a good match. We’ll see how this year goes.”
Mackenzie McDonald was unable to capitalize on his triumph against Rafael Nadal, as he struggled with an injury and resorted to underarm serves in a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2 loss to Yoshihito Nishioka, the 31st seed.
