Cameron Norrie’s exit from the Australian Open leaves Britain without a player left in the draw.
Even so, for the 30-year-old, just reaching this stage again was another positive step. Norrie lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev, who went on to make the final and stretch Daniil Medvedev to five sets before coming up short.
What stands out even more is that Norrie has now lost four consecutive majors to top-level players. Before Zverev, it was Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic who had ended his runs at Grand Slams.
Norrie spoke about this trend following his defeat by Zverev:
Cameron Norrie reacts to loss against Alexander Zverev at Australian Open
Although the match extended to four sets and was highly competitive, Norrie couldn’t hide his frustration at the final outcome.
Even so, he felt there were positives to take away, not just from his performance on the day but also from the fact that it was another defeat against a top-ranked player.
Speaking to reporters after the match, he said: “Yeah, we were talking with my coach Facu this week before every match, like, look at the guys you lost to in the other slams, and they’re all top players, and you’ve had battles with every one but you managed to get through.
“I think it says a lot about my focus. I think that’s what I can take so much confidence from is regardless of how you’re playing; some days you’re not going to be hitting the ball as well; other days better and some shots better than others.”
Norrie then focused more on how much his mentality has developed compared to previous years. He continued: “I think mentally I’ve been able to bring just points in, points out such a tough level against all types of opponents. To go not so deep in all of them but at least I think third round in the last few.
“Yeah. I think that’s great, and I think it says why I’m a bit more experienced than some of the other guys. I’m in best-of-five set matches. And yeah. It’s good fun playing these tournaments and nice to come here feeling healthy and enjoying.”
He went on further by saying: “Still disappointed not to go further. But these are matches that you want.”
Zverev reserved big praise for Norrie after their match too, further emphasising his progression as a player despite being 30 years old.
Cam Norrie gives his verdict on Australian Open defeat to Alexander Zverev
Norrie wasn’t too hard on himself despite the loss, saying he was pleased with how he managed to hang in there against a player of Zverev’s calibre.
Speaking after the match, he said: “Yeah, I thought the level was really good from the match. First three sets, very good. I was maybe a slight dip in that third set, but yeah, it was kind of constant pressure I thought in all departments of the game.
“You know, he was serving well, returning well, forehand, backhand moving and I had to really take a lot of risks to hang with him. And I think I can take a lot of confidence knowing I can play at that level with him but I dropped off the beginning of the fourth for sure.”
Norrie’s serve held up well throughout and he managed five break points against Zverev and converted two of them.
In the end though it wasn’t enough to get him over the line but this sort of showing will give him plenty to build on for future tournaments.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
