(Tennis news) Cameron Norrie was knocked out of the Australian Open by Jiri Lehecka 6-7(8) 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the third round of the Australian Open. The British number 1 player struggled in the breezy conditions but started the game strongly, taking a two sets to one lead against his Czech opponent. Lehecka then showed great resilience to get back into the game by levelling the contest and his opponent was forced to take a medical timeout for treatment to his left knee. It was undoubtedly a disappointing result for Norrie, who defeated Lehecka on his way to the final of the ATP tournament in Auckland last week.

Despite it being the first Grand Slam of the season, Norrie might have played one too many games in the build up to the Australian Open and simply couldn’t maintain his form and intensity that he showed in Sydney. As for Lehecka, the 21 year old has a big serve and forehand and outperformed Norrie in the first set, forcing the British tennis player to save three break points.

Norrie made a number of unforced errors, missing his shots time and again with his forehand as Lehecka went on to claim the second set. Norrie improved in the third set, making only six unforced errors compared to 27 in the first two sets, but his performance dipped once again in the fourth set.

“To find tactics on him [Norrie] is so tough,” Lehecka told Eurosport. “I am happy that I am through. I feel amazing and ready for the next round for sure. Last year was tough for me, playing for Grand Slams and never getting through the first round.” The result means that the Czech tennis player will now face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last 16, who defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 3-6 6-1 6-4.

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