Cameron Norrie secures biggest win of his career against Rafael Nadal

Cameron Norrie sealed the biggest win of his career by beating Rafael Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-4 at the United Cup in Sydney.

Norrie had lost his four previous encounters against Nadal but produced some of his best tennis matches in a packed Ken Rosewall Arena to lead Britain 1-0 against Spain in the first mixed international team competition.

The 27-year-old said in his post-game interview: “It was pretty crazy. I thought I had never won a set (against Nadal) and I wanted to do that first.

Cameron Norrie came from behind to upset Rafael Nadal in the biggest win of his career

Norrie had lost his four previous meetings with Nadal but defeated him in Sydney

“I had to be super patient. It was a super physical match and I enjoyed it. Going through that and finally beating him was huge.

“He’s easily beat me the last few times so it’s a great way to end the year for me. It was a crazy atmosphere thanks guys. It was a crazy game.’

Norrie, who defeated Alex de Minaur in his opening match at the new mixed teams event as Great Britain beat Australia 3-2, was no match for Nadal in the opening set.

Norrie led Great Britain 1-0 over Spain in team competition at the United Cup

Nadal, making his first appearance since November’s ATP Finals, delivered a series of stunning passing shots but failed to maintain his level.

Norrie broke the Spaniard in game six of set number two and dominated the decider, saving two break points while leading 3-2 before holding the nerve to claim a statement victory.

Britain’s Katie Swan will look to give Britain a 2-0 lead in Group D when she meets Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz in the final game of the day.