By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [26] def Emilio Nava 6-1 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(5)
- Norrie v Alexander Zverev [3] | H2H: Zverev leads 6-0
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Cameron Norrie defeated Emilio Nava in a dramatic four set contest to reach the third round of the Australian Open where he will face Alexander Zverev.
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Cameron Norrie [26] def Emilio Nava 6-1 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(5)
Cameron Norrie is into the third round of the Australian Open after a dramatic four set win over Emilio Nava. Just like his opening round, Norrie was clinical and emphatic in his approach despite Nava pressing for the break in the opening stages. There was some brutal hitting from Norrie who quickly secured five consecutive games and took the opening set in 33 minutes.
There was lots of similarities to his opening round match and another one was the response of his opponent as Nava crushed the forehand on his way to a 3-0 lead with this looking like a repeat of Sunday’s contest. However, Norrie had learned his lessons from the first round match and the British number two earned an immediate break back with some powerful and precise returning.
The momentum for Norrie didn’t last long though as Nava capitalised on a lapse of concentration from the Brit to break and then consolidate the lead for 5-2. There was no quit in Norrie as he displayed some resilient yet effective tennis on return to put the match back on serve, levelling the match at 5-5. Nava had the chance to win the set in the 12th game but some clutch serving from Norrie saved break points and the Brit forced a second set tiebreak. It was a dominant tiebreak from Norrie who was serving with confidence and authority as the British number two took a two set lead.
Any thoughts of a straight sets win for Norrie would be soon eliminated after some tactical errors from the Brit saw Nava break for a 3-2 lead. It was a frustrating fourth set for Norrie because for the most part Norrie was serving aggressively and also had a chance to break right at the end of the set just like he did in the previous set. However, Nava came up clutch and edged to a service hold to secure the third set as he hoped this would launch a stunning comeback.
At the start of the fourth set, Norrie applied early pressure by creating four break points but some powerful first serves from Nava saw the American hold for 1-1. In the middle of the set both players were extremely efficient as Norrie couldn’t make his momentum on serve count for anything significant on return. Towards the end of the set it was Nava’s turn to create break points but a missed smash cost the American as the Brit edged into a 5-4 lead. That would be the last significant threat on return as the fourth set went to a tiebreak.
The start of the tiebreak saw Norrie gain an early mini-break only for that to be cancelled out by some aggressive play from Nava. At the change of ends, the score was 3-3 and Norrie soon re-established a 4-3 lead before the rain came down in Melbourne. An unexpected twist which saw play suspended for about an hour.
When play resumed Norrie won a very passive last point to seal the tiebreak 7-5 and secure a place in the third round in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Cameron Norrie [26] v Alexander Zverev [3] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [26] v Alexander Zverev [3] | H2H: Zverev leads 6-0 |
| Australian Open 2026 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $327,750 |
| Fourth on John Cain Arena (Not before 07:30 GMT) | Discovery+ Add-on via Amazon Prime
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Norrie will face third seed Alexander Zverev in the third round with Zverev winning all six of their meetings although their last meeting at the Australian Open went to a fifth set tiebreak.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 28) | Alexander Zverev (WR 3) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2024) | Final (2025) |
| 1st Serve % | 65.8 | 72 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.3 | 86.8 |
| Break Points Saved % | 66 | 63.3 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.9 | 50.9 |
| Break Points Converted % | 37.1 | 39.6 |
Norrie will need to up his game in all departments and cannot afford any lapses of concentration against a consistent and efficient Zverev.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Zverev has manufactured his game into being a grinding baseliner who makes matches physical but also displays aggressive qualities on the backhand side. The German always seems to be consistent and can get to deeper rounds at Grand Slams. Ultimately when it comes to beating the bigger players when it matters Zverev doesn’t have the aggressiveness and efficiency needed in order to get the match won. Now last year’s finalist will hope to improve that aspect of his game as he looks to go one step further this year.
Norrie will need to be authoritative on serve and will look to be aggressive and proactive from the baseline. Meanwhile, Zverev will aim to step into the forehand in order to punish Norrie’s shorter balls especially on the second serve. This will be a physical and gruelling match with Zverev’s consistent quality expected to shine through in a match that will be decided by the tightest of margins.
Prediction: Zverev in five sets.
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