Cameron Norrie survives five-set struggle to reach third round

Twelve months ago, Cameron Norrie left Wimbledon a frustrated man, having lost to Roger Federer in a four-set battle that was a lot tighter than the 20-time grand slam champion expected. Norrie built on that effort and in April, he broke into the ATP top 10 for the first time.

Now ranked 12, he booked his place in the third round again with a typically hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win over Jaume Munar of Spain. On a day when Harriet Dart made it 10 Britons through to round two – the best effort since 1984 – Norrie knows this could be his best chance yet to reach the second week of a grand slam.

“I was so pleased to get through that,” said a jubilant Norrie, who regrouped superbly after being outplayed in the second and third sets. “It was a tricky match. Jaume put the ball in so many awkward spots in the court, I wasn’t playing my best but I managed to lock it in in the fourth and keep the momentum.”

Norrie has garnered a reputation for grinding out gruelling wins on Tour but his victory over Munar, the world No 71, was only his third deciding-set win in a slam in seven matches. Finding a way to win when he was not at his best should stand him in good stead as he prepares to face the American Steve Johnson for a place in the last 16.

“That was what I needed,” he said. “I was a bit fortunate to win that first set as he was the better player and he was too good in the second and third. I was getting a bit frustrated and it was really tough but really pleased with my level at the end.

“Johnson likes grass, has a big serve and always plays well at Wimbledon. He is really comfortable on this surface so it’s not going to be easy but I’m just going to enjoy this one and look forward to playing on Friday.”

Johnson ended