Cameron Norrie secured the biggest win of his career, defeating world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters. This victory marks the British No. 2’s first ever win against a reigning world No. 1 and comes at a pivotal moment in his career.
Although Norrie had previously defeated Alcaraz on two occasions, this triumph stands out due to its significance in the context of their careers. It is Norrie’s first win over the top-ranked player and is an important milestone following his return from a significant injury. The 30-year-old, who has faced challenges with his forearm injury and dip in form earlier this year, is now poised to re-enter the top 20.
Alcaraz started the match confidently, winning the opening set, but Norrie found his rhythm as the match progressed. The British player began to dictate the pace, using his precise serving and ability to prolong rallies to gain control. Norrie’s consistency forced Alcaraz into mistakes, and by the second set, the Spaniard struggled with his timing, particularly on his forehand. Alcaraz hit a total of 54 unforced errors, 29 of them off his forehand, contributing to his downfall.
Norrie’s disciplined approach and relentless shot tolerance wore down the world No. 1, who was unable to find his usual form. The final set saw Norrie maintain his composure under pressure, closing out the match with confidence to seal the win.
This victory is a testament to Norrie’s resilience and progress since struggling with his injury. After falling to No. 91 earlier this year, Norrie has worked his way back into form, making deep runs at Wimbledon and the French Open. His win over Alcaraz ends the Spaniard’s remarkable run of nine consecutive finals and 17 straight Masters 1000 wins, which had been a highlight of Alcaraz’s career.
For Norrie, this win not only boosts his confidence but also signals a potential return to the higher echelons of the ATP rankings.
