🔗 Share this article

Cameron Norrie achieved the most important win of his professional journey by rallying from a lost first set to overcome world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the prestigious indoor tournament.

Even though he had previously overcome Alcaraz on two separate matches, this victory represents Norrie's first ever win over a sitting world top-ranked player.

"Huge. Extremely important for me," commented Norrie, who joins as the newest British man in the record books to overcome a world No 1. "Bouncing back from injury last year, I was defeated in the initial match of qualifying rounds here. I just aimed to enjoy my tennis in the second half of the year. To achieve a win like this, it's the biggest victory of my professional life, my first win over the global number one and likely the most in-form athlete in the tennis scene right now."

Norrie, positioned 31st globally, also stopped Alcaraz's dominant streak of nine consecutive finals and 17 consecutive elite tournament victories, which marked the finest stretch of results in the young champion's young career.

Game Breakdown

Alcaraz looked to be progressing easily to success in the beginning as he cruised through the first set. Yet, the British contender gradually fought his way back into the game by executing with greater precision and engaging the Spaniard into lengthy, physical rallies. His unceasing steadiness and consistency slowly took its toll.

During large parts of the battle, the world number one performed well on serve but he had difficulty to find his timing off his groundstrokes. The rising talent looked especially uncomfortable striking his signature shot, which has been the top weapon in the game for a large part of this season, committing 29 mistakes off the forehand side and a total of 54 unforced errors. Opposing him, the British player presented Alcaraz very few errors, maintaining his consistency, fitness and penetration the entire contest while delivering effective serves and choosing his moments to move into the court and attack well.

Closing Stages

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

Personal Journey

Following battling for an extended period due to a serious arm issue and struggles with his performance, Norrie fell as far down as 91st globally this season. Having reached the quarter-finals at the grass-court major and the clay-court Grand Slam round of 16 after that, this victory reinforces the veteran's improvement as he aims to return to the world's top twenty and further. Alcaraz, in spite of his extraordinary success, is yet to solve how to display his top form indoors.