NORRIE'S BEATEN IN A FIVE-SET THRILLER

LAST BRIT STANDING IS OUT OF AUSSIE OPEN AFTER FOUR-HOUR EPIC

- Matt Maiendie

CAMERON NORRIE came up agonisingly short in his bid to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as he lost a five-set thriller against Alexander Zverev today.

The British No1 had never beaten Zverev in four previous career encounters, and had never even previously taken a set off the German.

But twice he levelled from a set deficit to force a captivating, undulating match into a deciding set, which Zverev edged for a 7-5,3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 win.

It was the longest match of Norrie's career, at just over four hours, and the result ended British hopes in either singles draw for another year.

And while his exit will be a body blow, he can be buoyed by his bestever showing in Melbourne and having seemingly added far greater variety to his game in 2024.

As he had against Casper Ruud in the previous round, he came to the net to good effect and also caught his opponent out repeatedly with a good use of the drop-shot in what was one of his best performances.