Norrie sends Britain to United Cup lead over Australia

Cam Norrie got Britain away into the lead over host Australia as the world No. 18 lifted at the end for a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (2) win in their Friday group tie on opening day at the mixed team United Cup.

Norrie’s improved his record over good friend and training partner De Minaur with a finishing burst in the final-set tiebreak after a momentum shift over the opening two sets in Perth.

The 18-nation event stars group play in Sydney on Saturday, wrapping up next weekend.

Norrie levelled his head-to-head in the series at 2-all as he repeated a victory over De Minaur from a year ago in the tournament.

The Brit who has family in Australia ended a nine-match loss streak against Top 20 opponents as he played in front of a packed-out Australian crowd, winning in just under two and a half hours.

“I had to dig deep and play bravely in the third set,” the winner said. “At the end of the second set he was firing and I could not match his level.

“We always have great battles, I had to run a lot today. But it’s good to start the year with a W.