Cameron Norrie has now defeated Carlos Alcaraz on three separate occasions.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie hailed his victory over Carlos Alcaraz as “the biggest win of my career” after a resilient comeback against the world number one secured his place in the Paris Masters last 16.
Norrie, who was defeated in straight sets by the Spaniard in this year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals, triumphed with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in the second round of the ATP Masters 1,000 event held in the French capital.
“This win is incredibly significant for me,” expressed Norrie, who previously missed the Olympic Games in Paris and the US Open last year due to a forearm injury.
“I had an early exit in the qualifiers here last year. Following my injury, I’ve focused on enjoying my tennis in the latter half of the year, and I was able to do just that.
“Securing the biggest win of my career, my first against a world number one, and arguably the most confident player globally right now, I’m very pleased with my performance.”
Alcaraz claimed the first set, but Norrie responded emphatically in the second, securing an early break and sustaining his momentum to force a decisive set.
The world number 31 then executed a remarkable backhand pass to break Alcaraz in the final set and successfully defended two break points en route to his victory.
“I actually took a walk this morning with my coach, and we discussed serving for the match and the self-talk I needed,” Norrie shared, having defeated Sebastian Baez in straight sets during Monday’s first round.
“I felt immense pressure serving for the match yesterday against Baez.
“I reassured myself that I deserved to be in this moment, that I wanted to be here, and I felt quite composed.
“It was a beneficial and significant walk.”
The British player is now set to face the winner of the second-round match between wildcards – and cousins – Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech.
Alcaraz, who recorded 54 unforced errors on Tuesday, was making his return from an ankle injury and playing his first tour match since his victory over Taylor Fritz in the Japan Open final at the end of September.
He now faces the possibility of losing his number one ranking if his rival, Jannik Sinner, who is slated to face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the second round, goes on to win the Paris tournament.
“I’m genuinely disappointed with my level of play,” Alcaraz admitted after the defeat.
“I had a clear understanding of my objectives, but even in the first set that I won, I felt I was capable of more than I demonstrated.
“I must commend Cam. He performed exceptionally well, playing a solid match, and I believe that was the deciding factor.”
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