Cam Norrie said the crazy atmosphere in the John Cain Arena helped him charge to the best win of his Grand Slam career. The last British player left in the singles beat world No.11 Casper Ruud 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3 to reach the Australian Open fourth round for the first time.
The third court in Melbourne Park – previously called the Hisense Arena – is the favourite arena here for Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios because ground-ticket holders can gain entry.
And the British No.1 said: “It was good fun today. I was really enjoying it from start to finish. I really felt a sense of calm throughout the whole match. I embraced the atmosphere. Everyone was enjoying themselves. They were behind me, as well, so I think that definitely played a factor in the match.
“I think one guy was saying: ‘Come on Nozz Dog’, every kind of five minutes. I think the whole crowd, it was good timing for them, Saturday afternoon. They had a few drinks, and yeah, they were enjoying themselves and got behind me. I think it was a good time to go play. Maybe a little bit later on could have been a bit too much, but it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves, and yeah, I really like that court.
“Even with the people moving around, it was a really good atmosphere, and hopefully I’m back on that court again for the next match.”
The highest ranked player he beat on the way to the 2022 Wimbledon semi-final was world No.32 Tommy Paul in the fourth round. And his biggest scalp at a Major had been No.13 Diego Schwartzman at the 2022 US Open. And he will next face the challenge of Alex Zverev after the world No.6 and Olympic champion beat American teenager Alex Michelsen.
“In terms of performances, it was up there with one of my best I think in a Grand Slam,” said Norrie. “I haven’t played that well for a while. I think it just came down to just enjoying it and going for it.”
Norrie hit 63 winners and won the point 41 out of the unprecedented 56 times he came to the net. He said the aggressive game plan was designed for Ruud after losing all three of his previous meetings to the three-time Grand Slam finalist.
And he said his net play has been boosted by adding former Wimbledon doubles champoin Stephen Huss to his coaching team in the off-season. “I think he doesn’t give me too many praises too often, so I think he’ll be decently happy with the volleys. He was out there watching as well today, so it was good to have him.”
Ruud said: “He had most of the initiative throughout the match which is something that I didn’t like and I wasn’t able to turn around but at the same time. Credit to him he played aggressive and he played well behind his serve and also return games
“He changed a few things since the three previous matches that we played and he played better today than I think he has in the previous matches.
“He played smart. He played very well from the baseline and with the serve, he neutralised my game well, I wasn’t able to stay as aggressive as I would like and as I’ve maybe been in the past.”
