Cameron Norrie held off a spirited fightback from Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals and keep alive British interest in the singles.
British number three Norrie led by two sets – and held a match point in the third-set tie-break – before finally securing a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (7-9) 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 win under the Court One roof.
After missing his first opportunity, the 29-year-old left-hander regrouped admirably to seal his progress – almost two hours later – at the second opportunity.
The piercing roar which greeted victory indicated Norrie’s delight at coming through a bruising battle where he needed all of his characteristic determination and endurance.
Asked how he had come through a scrap lasting four hours and 27 minutes, Norrie said: “Honestly, I don’t know. Nico did an unbelievable job of sticking with me.”
Norrie tumbled to the court in celebration before receiving a few sharp words from his opponent – who had earlier been irritated by the Briton’s prolonged ball-bouncing between first and second serves.
Jarry also tried to fire a forehand at Norrie when he came forward in the decider but hit the net.
“I was a little bit vocal – that’s my energy,” Norrie said. “I told him ‘you competed so well, it was a competitive match and I loved it’.”