🔗 Share this article

Cameron Norrie earned the most important success of his professional journey by rebounding from a set down to defeat world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz with a stunning comeback in the early stage of the Paris Masters.

While he had previously beaten Alcaraz on two occasions, this triumph represents Norrie's maiden win over a sitting world number one.

"Massive. So big for me," stated Norrie, who becomes the latest English competitor in history to beat a top-ranked player. "Returning from a physical setback last year, I lost in the opening stage of qualifiers here. I just tried to enjoy my game in the second half of the year. To achieve a triumph like this, it's the biggest success of my tennis journey, my initial victory over the world No 1 and likely the strongest competitor in the world right now."

The British player, seeded 31st in the world, also halted Alcaraz's impressive sequence of nine consecutive finals and 17 straight elite tournament successes, which represented the best series of results in the Spaniard's young professional path.

Game Analysis

The top seed looked to be progressing easily to success in the beginning as he sailed in the initial stanza. Nevertheless, Norrie slowly battled back into contention by serving with sharper placement and engaging the Spanish opponent into prolonged, physical rallies. His relentless steadiness and dependability slowly took its toll.

For much of the match, Alcaraz served well but he struggled badly to find his timing with his rally strokes. The rising talent looked notably uncomfortable striking his forehand, which has been the best shot in the world for much of this year, haemorrhaging 29 mistakes off the forehand side and a combined of 54 mistakes. Opposing him, Norrie presented his opponent so few mistakes, keeping up his steadiness, athleticism and power throughout while serving efficiently and choosing his moments to advance inside the baseline and play aggressively.

Final Moments

In the tight closing stages, Norrie superbly held his composure to defeat the best player in the world.

Career Background

After battling for months due to a significant left forearm injury and struggles with his form, Norrie dropped as far down as No 91 this year. After making the last eight at the grass-court major and the clay-court Grand Slam second week subsequently, this win highlights the experienced player's improvement as he attempts to come back to the world's top twenty and further. Alcaraz, notwithstanding his remarkable success, is has not yet solve how to produce his best tennis indoors.