British Star Defeats Constant Lestienne in Rain-Delayed Match Amid Spectator Disruptions
Cameron Norrie endured a marathon match into the early hours of the morning to defeat France’s Constant Lestienne and advance to the Australian Open’s third round. Persistent rain delays in Melbourne pushed the start time to 10 p.m. local, with Norrie and Lestienne facing off on an outside court. Despite multiple interruptions due to drizzle and rowdy spectators, Norrie secured a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 win, completing the match at 1:28 a.m.
A small group of loyal fans, some wrapped in blankets to fend off Melbourne’s unseasonal chill, watched as Norrie clinched his spot in the next round, where he will face promising Czech player Jiri Lehecka. The match was a test for the umpire, who ejected three English fans for abusing Norrie and addressed another for loud profanity during the fourth set.
