Cameron Norrie came through a tough match against Emilio Nava to advance at the Australian Open.
On Thursday, the British number two battled rainy conditions before sealing a 6-1, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 victory against the young American.
The British fans in the crowd created a raucous atmosphere throughout the match, chanting Norrie’s name after almost every point.
After defeating Nava, Norrie reflected on the support while relaying excitement regarding his upcoming clash against Alexander Zverev.
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Cameron Norrie reflects on ‘one of the best atmospheres’
Following the contest, Norrie remarked on the passionate British contingent, describing the whole experience as ‘so fun.’
Norrie recently praised the Australian Open atmosphere, and once again, on Wednesday, he described the joy he felt on court.
Commenting on the atmosphere British fans created, Norrie said: “It was so much fun. I think those matches are the best. I think I could see that they had been in for a long day of drinking. They were all waiting around watching. That court was so much fun, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
“Actually, there was so much support for me that you have to give a lot of credit to Emilio to really fight back. I think every time they started chanting, he would serve well or play well.
“So I have to give a lot of credit to Emilio for fighting. It can’t be easy to play against that crowd. But some of the chants were really, really good. I was laughing. Felt really nice to come back to that court and everyone was chanting my name. Like I said, served well at the end.”
He later added: “I would say one of the best atmospheres [of his career]. I would say the best atmosphere at the Australian Open. Maybe top three of my career.
“I think it’s because that court was just, like — the fans on that balcony felt on top of the court and so close. Yeah, I think there was a bar upstairs on the thing, so I think that definitely helped [smiling].
“I think I could look anywhere and someone was getting fired up for me. I was pulling from all parts of the court. That can really help you in those matches. It was so fun.”
Norrie is one round away from matching his best-ever performance at the Australian Open. The British star’s best result in Melbourne occurred in 2024, when he reached the fourth round.
That year, Norrie defeated Juan Pablo Varillas, Giulio Zeppieri and Casper Ruud, before losing to Alexander Zverev.
Last year, Norrie was defeated in the first round by Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist.
Cameron Norrie previews Alexander Zverev clash
Norrie’s victory over Nava has set up a clash against Alexander Zverev – the world number three. Zverev, the 2025 Australian Open finalist, defeated Alexandre Muller on Wednesday.
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Norrie has a poor record against the German, having lost all six of their matches on the ATP Tour.
However, his record against Zverev has failed to dampen any excitement heading into the contest.
Speaking about the upcoming clash, Norrie told reporters in Melbourne: “So excited. He’s one of the most consistent players on the tour. I think he loves playing me. Every time we play we have such high-level matches. He always beats me. The last maybe four or five times.
“We always have close sets, close matches. I played him fourth round here, lost 7-6 in the fifth before. But he’s one of the best competitors out there. I’m excited. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling my game good. I felt better with my rhythm or my serve as the match went on, considering how tricky it was with the wind.”
The British star later added: “I think I can trouble him, for sure. I feel every time he’s hitting the forehand so well, I played maybe my best level at Wimbledon that one year in the third round, I think it was third or fourth round. He was so good. Really high level.
“I’m going to have to really play a complete match and play well for four hours I think to have a chance with him. I really can take a lot of confidence from the first three weeks of the year, how I’m managing my service games, how I’m putting a lot of returns in court.
“I feel like I’m there every single point. I know that’s more kind of my trademark, to be there every point. I think I’ve been doing a really good job with that. I think that’s the reason why I won today. My tennis has been there. I’ve been feeling the ball great. I think mentally I’m feeling in a good place.”
Norrie first played against Zverev at the 2019 Mexico Open, where he lost 7-6, 6-3 in the semi-finals.
Their most recent contest occurred at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Zverev defeated Norrie 6-4, 6-4, 7-6.
Norrie came close to defeating Zverev for the first time at the 2024 Australian Open, but eventually succumbed to a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 loss.
