United Cup: After defeating former world number one Rafael Nadal at the United Cup for Great Britain in Sydney, Cameron Norrie earned his biggest career victory to date.
In the first mixed international team game, the British number one defeated Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-4 at a packed Ken Rosewell Arena to earn Great Britain a 1-0 lead against Spain.
Norrie had previously lost all four encounters with Nadal, but he once pulled off an incredible comeback after falling behind a set.
In his first encounter of the tennis season, Norrie defeated Alex de Minaur, helping Britain defeat Australia 3-2 in the opening match. Norrie has been in excellent form so far this year.
Nadal, who was competing in his first match since the ATP Finals in November, had amazing agility to cover the court in the opening set and advance by hitting a series of breathtaking passing shots.
As the game progressed, the 36-year-old found it difficult to retain his composure as Norrie increased his effort to outlast the Spaniard in tough exchanges.
In the sixth game of the second set, Norrie defeated Nadal. He then dominated the final, saving two break points while ahead 3-2 and maintaining composure to secure a significant victory.
It was quite insane, he stated after the game. “I went into the match with the intention of winning the opening set because I had never done so (against Nadal).
“I had to exercise extreme patience. It was a very physical battle, which I found entertaining. To ultimately defeat him after getting through that one was huge.
“It’s a terrific way to close the year for me because he beat me so handily the last several times. Thank you guys, the atmosphere was fantastic. It was a wild game.”
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