Alexander Zverev reveals he already had the inside story on the ‘new’ Cameron Norrie

Alexander Zverev is preparing to take on Cameron Norrie in the fourth round of the Australian Open and he has revealed he is ready for the new-look Brit in Melbourne.

Norrie has modelled a new brand of tennis in the opening Grand Slam of 2024, with the 28-year-old adopting a more attacking approach in his impressive win against Casper Ruud.

Norrie had never beaten a player ranked as high as world number 11 Casper Ruud at a major tournament and had lost all three previous matches against the Norwegian, who is a three-time slam finalist.

But, flying the flag alone for Britain in the singles once more, the 28-year-old played with purpose and courage to claim a 6-4 6-7 (7) 6-4 6-3 victory.

Normally known as a baseline grinder, Norrie came to the net 56 times during the contest and cracked 63 winners.

“It was so good,” he said. “I was really enjoying it from start to finish. I really felt a sense of calm throughout the whole match.

“I embraced the atmosphere. Everyone was enjoying themselves. They were behind me, as well, the crowd, so I think that definitely played a factor in the match.

“In terms of performances, it was up there with one of my best, I think, in a grand slam. Losing that second set, a few set points, and he served really well. I came out with a lot of energy. Then down a break in the third. Managed to stay really tough.

“I was committed to the game plan and I loved it. I played really well today. Good day.”

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It was hard not to be impressed with Norrie, as he lived up to his promise to bring a more attacking element to his game with a sparkling display.

Yet Zverev was one of the few players who was not surprised by Norrie’s approach, as he has witnessed his preparations close up in Monte Carlo over the last few weeks.

“I actually thought he played exactly what he was working on in the off season,” said Zverev.

“We obviously spent the off season together in Monaco, so I’ve seen him every single day. This is exactly what he was working on.

“Wen you think of Cameron Norrie, you normally think of somebody who grinds a lot, somebody, a big fighter, you know.

“But in the off season he really worked on his game and he really worked on the aggressive style of play. He really worked on coming forward.

“It was very noticeable in December, and you can kind of see it on the court now. The work is paying off for him.

“I think everybody is always improving. Everybody is always trying new things.

“I think with Cam this year, you definitely see that. You see it to a different extent, in a way, much more aggressive player, but I’m just going to try to, you know, to keep going for it and just try to extend my lead in a way.”

Zverev has a dominant 4-0 winning record in his meetings with Norrie, but this will be their first clash in a best-of-five set match at a Grand Slam.

Zverev’s powerful serve and ground shots overpowered Norrie in previous meetings, but it is clear that he will try to rush the German and hope to throw him out of his stride when they meet on Monday.