A gutsy Cameron Norrie produced one of the best performances of his career as he fought back to beat Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling encounter and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
The former British number one, who got to the semi-finals of the Championships in 2022, won 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 to follow compatriot Sonay Kartal in progressing.
Former British number three Kartal had become the first Briton to go through on day three, comfortably seeing off Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-2 6-2.
Norrie’s win did not come as easily but was just as impressive as he battled back from losing the first set to win the next three, undoing the American 12th seed with some brilliant tennis that had the Court One crowd on their feet.
“This is my favourite court, it was an amazing atmosphere,” Norrie said. “We both played a really high level and I was just staying calm.
“It’s so special – you forget so quickly. You just feel goosebumps. It’s such a special court and such a special tournament.
“I just walked out and smiled as much as I could – and then you have to go out to battle. I’m really happy with my level today.”
The pivotal moment came in the fourth set when, after having a break that would have put him on the cusp of victory immediately wiped out, Norrie dug in to get another and go on to seal the success.
It was the second match in a row he has had to come through four sets, having overcome Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in sweltering conditions on Monday.
But this was a performance to give the 29-year-old encouragement he can progress beyond the third round at Wimbledon for only the second time.
Impressive Kartal continues progress
Earlier, Kartal continued her impressive form at Wimbledon by becoming the first British player to reach round three this year with a dominant victory over Tomova.
After two days of blistering heat, the start to Wednesday’s play was delayed by more than two hours because of rain in the morning.
But once the action did begin, Kartal followed up her impressive first-round win against 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko by quickly despatching Tomova.
It is the second year in a row the British number three has reached the third round at Wimbledon.
“I felt good in the warm-up and on court I felt good. I was seeing it and hitting it very clean. It was one of those good days in the office,” said Kartal.
“I wanted to back up the run I had last year. I wanted to show I am at this level now and I can consistently play.
“The last couple of months I have thrown myself on the scene. This year I made a conscious effort to only play the bigger matches. I am feeling much more confidence in my game.”
After getting the first break of serve in the sixth game of the opening set, Kartal really got into her stride, hitting impressive winners before breaking again at 5-2 up to take the first set.
It did not get any better for Tomova in the second set as the 23-year-old home favourite won the first four games to asset her dominance.
Tomova managed to break serve in the fifth game, but it only delayed the Briton’s march to an excellent win.
Next up for Kartal is a match against world number 15 Diana Shnaider or French qualifier Diane Parry.
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