ATP
Norrie sends Britain to United Cup lead over Australia
Cam Norrie got Britain away into the lead over host Australia as the world No. 18 lifted at the end for a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (2) win in their Friday group tie on opening day at the mixed team United Cup.
Norrie’s improved his record over good friend and training partner De Minaur with a finishing burst in the final-set tiebreak after a momentum shift over the opening two sets in Perth.
The 18-nation event stars group play in Sydney on Saturday, wrapping up next weekend.
Norrie levelled his head-to-head in the series at 2-all as he repeated a victory over De Minaur from a year ago in the tournament.
The Brit who has family in Australia ended a nine-match loss streak against Top 20 opponents as he played in front of a packed-out Australian crowd, winning in just under two and a half hours.
“I had to dig deep and play bravely in the third set,” the winner said. “At the end of the second set he was firing and I could not match his level.
“We always have great battles, I had to run a lot today. But it’s good to start the year with a W.