Australian Open: Norrie Fails To Advance After Five Sets Defeat To Lehecka

Britain's number one Cameron Norrie was left stunned after suffering a third-round defeat to Jiri Lehecka in a five-set thriller.

Norrie burst out from the blocks at the start when he opened up a two sets to one lead against Lehecka.

But the Czech youngster never panicked as he fought back to win 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-4 in the third round.

The Brit wasn't at his best in the encounter and it got worse for him when he dropped serve again in the first game of the decider and called a medical timeout to get his left knee taped up.

Lehecka, having emerged victorious, booked a slot in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the very first time, where he will play Canadian sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday to reach the last 16.

"To find tactics on him [Norrie] is so tough," a delighted 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 exit of Norrie means that  Dan Evans and Andy Murray who completed a comeback win in a 5-hour-45-minute epic in Melbourne are the only British interests remaining in either singles draw.