Australian Open: Cameron Norrie carrying British hopes

The Australian Open has not been a happy hunting ground for British tennis players with Virginia Wade’s success in 1972 their only title Down Under during the Open Era.

Few have come close to stopping the rot, none more so than Andy Murray who is a five-time runner-up having been beaten by Roger Federer in 2010 and played second fiddle to Novak Djokovic on four occasions from 2011 to 2016. 

Cameron Norrie flying the flag

Early defeats for Andy Murray, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu mean that British singles hopes for the 2024 Australian Open rest on the shoulders of Cameron Norrie.

The 28-year-old had failed to go beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam in five subsequent efforts - with his trips to Melbourne Park featuring three first-round exits and two third-round defeats, but the hugely impressive win over Casper Ruud has seen the Brit break new ground.

Norrie has arguably not kicked on as expected since making the semi-final of Wimbledon in 2022, but he looks to have rediscovered some of his best form over the last few matches.

After coming from two sets down against Italian qualifier Guilio Zeppieri to reach the third round, Norrie produced what he described as his "best display at a Grand Slam" to defeat 11th seed Ruud and seal a place in the last 16.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev stands in the way of a first Australian Open quarter-final in what should be an exciting clash in Melbourne on Monday. The British number one is 5/2 to overcome his German opponent and 150/1 to win the title.