Alexander Zverev denied Cameron Norrie the chance of claiming his first top 10 win at a major after ousting the Brit in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The German sixth seed was sternly tested during a lengthy encounter that lasted more than four hours before prevailing 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(10-3), on the Margaret Court Arena. It was a far from straightforward encounter for Zverev who was broken at the very end of the fourth set before losing a break advantage at the start of the decider. Despite those blips, he held his nerve to edge out Norrie in the final tiebreaker who produced some costly mistakes early on.
“At the end of the day this is a Grand slam and everybody is playing their best here,” Zverev said during his on-court interview.
“Cam was playing amazing tennis and I’m just happy to be through.”
The world No.6 now leads Norrie 5-0 in their head-to-head. At present, he has a 100% winning record against only four players whom he has played five or more matches against. Besides Norrie, he is also undefeated against Adrian Mannarino, Kevin Anderson and Stan Wawrinka.
Zverev’s win is his 24th win at Melbourne Park which makes it his most successful major event in terms of victories. His best run at the event was to the semi-finals in 2020. He has now made it through to 11 Grand Slam quarter-finals which is the second-highest ever achieved by a male German payer after Boris Becker (23).
“The Melbourne crowd is always the best because they are very energetic and loud. but they are also very respectful.” He said.
Awaiting him in the last eight will be two-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz who eased to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-0, win over Miomir Kecmanovic in his fourth round match. Coincidentally it will be the third time they have faced each other in the last eight of a major event after the 2022 French Open and 2023 US Open. Zverev leads their head-to-head 4-3.
“Carlos is a guy from the new generation. He’s extremely successful already, more successful than 99% of the guys who have ever touched a tennis racket. He’s also incredibly respectful.” Zverev said of his next opponent.
“Hopefully it is going to be my day.”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is taking nothing for granted heading into his first Australian Open quarter-final after missing the event last year due to injury.
“If I play at this level, I will have my chances,” said the Spaniard.
“He has played some tough matches with tiebreaks in the fifth set. It’s going to be tough for him.
“I love playing against Sascha. I will put one hundred per cent into my best tennis and let’s see what happens.”
Their quarter-final match will take place on Wednesday.
