CAMERON NORRIE hailed the boozy Australian Open crowd as he toasted his first run into the second week Down Under.
The British No1, 28, was raised across the water in New Zealand.
AFPCameron Norrie took selfies with fans after booking his place in round four of the Australian Open[/caption]
But he had previously struggled to make his mark at the ‘Happy Slam’, going out in round three in two of his five appearances.
However, fuelled on by a raucous crowd inside the John Cain Arena, the final Brit standing dumped out No11 seed and three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in four sets.
Norrie posed for photos with tennis fans after he prevailed 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-3 in just over three hours on court and will play No6 seed Alexander Zverev in the last 16.
And he was quick to thank the fanatic supporters – including a host of Brits – for cheering him on all the way.
Norrie, who got into a brief argument when the automated tech pulled him up for a foot fault, said: “Honestly so special, especially on this court I think I’ve practised on it once.
“I didn’t realise it was going to be this atmosphere and you guys were with me from the beginning.
“There were all sorts of nicknames like ‘come on Nozdog’ from over there and then Noz, all things like that which is good stuff.
“Everyone was enjoying themselves.
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“I definitely could tell you guys had a few drinks on a Saturday afternoon so it’s really good!”
Fans at Melbourne Park are making the most of the new two-storey bar that has been constructed on the site next to Court 6.
That is despite a glass of champagne setting punters back a staggering £15.33.
However, the alcohol consumption and the so-called ‘party court’ have not been to everyone’s liking.
2023 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas is among the players moaning about noise and disturbances from the supporters.
And reigning champ Novak Djokovic got into his third row with spectators in three rounds – this time after someone shouted “get vaccinated mate” before he served an ace on match point.
But Emma Navarro embraced the booze as she brilliantly took a swig of a fan’s beer then signed the bottle after her second-round comeback win.
ReutersThe last Brit standing took out Casper Ruud over four sets[/caption]