Britain’s Cameron Norrie fell short of the Australian Open quarter-finals as sixth seed Alexander Zverev edged an absorbing five-setter by winning a first-to-10 deciding tie-break.
Norrie, seeded 19th, lost 7-5 3-6 6-3 4-6 7-6 (10-3) to Germany’s Zverev.
After one of his best performances at a major to beat Casper Ruud in the third round, Norrie played even better against Olympic champion Zverev.
But his mistakes in the tie-break of a tense final set proved costly.
Norrie, who had never previously beaten a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam event, had been bold and aggressive in the key moments as he twice fought back to level.
However, he was unable to execute as well in the decisive tie-break and looked understandably dejected as he walked back to the locker room.
“At the end of the day it is a Grand Slam and everyone is playing their best here. Cam has been playing amazing tennis and I’m just happy to be through,” said a relieved Zverev, who secured victory after four hours and five minutes.
Zverev, aiming for his first Grand Slam title, will face Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Two-time major champion Alcaraz, 20, won 6-4 6-4 6-0 in his last-16 match against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.