BRITISH NO 1 KNOCKED OUT AS TSITSIPAS BATTLE ITALIAN SINNER IN FOURTH ROUND

Chech’s youngster Jiri Lehecka was in super form beating British No.1 Cameroon Norrie in five set loss to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.

The British top spot tennis player struggled to withstand the pressure from the 21 year- old. Although Norrie was quick to open up a two sets to one lead but the 71 ranked in the world, battled back forcing Norrie to request for medical timeout for treatment to his left knee early in the fifth set before he succumbed to a 6-7 (8) 6-3  3-6 6-1 6-4 defeat.

Norrie who had kicked off the season in a bright start defeating Rafael Nadal, Taylor Fritz at the United Cup last week and also Lehecka on his way to the ATP final was made to look ordinary with the big serves and forehand. Obviously Lehecka was better with breezing desire to clinch the day which the first set went to his favour. Although Norrie did save three break points but was not magnificent to convert a 6-4 lead in the tie break.

Norrie was sluggish in play with the 21 year-old brilliant in drive shots and the British missing several times with forehand was poor. Lehecka claimed the second set and in the third Norrie bounced back making less unforced errors.

In the fourth there was a switch of momentum, the British No 1 saw Lehecka coming like a bee and Cech served the match out to love, obviously the biggest moment of his young career.

Meanwhile, third seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas will battle Italian Jannik Sinner in the fourth round. The Greek defeated Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-2 7-6 (5) 6-3 to remain one of the favourites to win the men’s singles with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud already in the exit list. Also Stefanos has made it to three semi-finals in the previous four years in Melbourne Park and could make a surprise shot with his form so far.

While Jannik Sinner is in form for the tough challenge, he did fight back from two sets down in a 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 to a  victory over Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.