PUT TO BED IN FIVE SETS

BRITISH No.3 Aljaz Bedene was a home hero yesterday as he beat No.21 seed Ivo Karlovic in an epic clash. The Slovenia-born star (left), who took British citizenship two years ago, sealed a famous win with the only service break in a clash which lasted four hours and 24 minutes. The first four sets went to tie-breaks – the first time that has happened since 2002. Amazingly, his 8-6 clincher in the fifth set made it four wins from four against the big-serving Croat.

Bedene, who can’t play Davis Cup for Britain as he has already represented Slovenia, claimed the win with two superb returns to spark wild celebrations on Court Three.

But Cameron Norrie’s Wimbledon debut lasted just 83 minutes as he was battered by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The British wild card, ranked 221 in the world, was no match for 12th seed Tsonga, losing 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Norrie was born in South Africa and brought up in New Zealand before taking British nationality five years ago.

But he never threatened against the big-hitting Frenchman, who was playing his 150th Grand Slam match.

Norrie stayed upbeat after his defeat saying: “I enjoyed every moment of it. I tried my hardest and there’s nothing more I can do. I’m proud of myself.

“It was such a great experience playing someone like Tsonga. I just wish I could have played and returned a little bit better, but it was all good.”

Tsonga sympathised, saying said: “I know how difficult it is to come for the first time to these kind of tournaments, against a guy who is supposed to be a lot better than you. It’s not easy.”