Cameron Norrie in the 2023 Davis Cup Qualifier between Colombia and Great Britain in Cota, Colombia
Cameron Norrie in the 2023 Davis Cup Qualifier between Colombia and Great Britain in Cota, Colombia | (Photo by Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Rio De Janeiro 2023 | Norrie claims maiden ATP 500 title after edging past Alcaraz

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Cameron Norrie [2] def Carlos Alcaraz [1] 5-7 6-4 7-5
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Cameron Norrie claimed the biggest clay court title of his career after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in three sets in Rio De Janeiro.

 

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Cameron Norrie [2] def Carlos Alcaraz [1] 5-7 6-4 7-5

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Cameron Norrie claimed the biggest clay court title of his career after he won his first ever ATP 500 event in Rio De Janeiro, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in three sets. Heading into the match both players were in form but also showed signs of fatigue and that was the case in this match as a dramatic final was in store. Both players played consistently well from the baseline with Norrie’s returning anticipation earning him the first break point in the fifth game.

The Spaniard responded in fine fashion though as he continued to produce effortless power from the baseline as he saved the break point to hold for 3-2. A few games later it was Norrie’s serve that was under pressure with the US Open champion producing a high-quality return game in the eighth game. However the Brit came up clutch when it mattered most as his varied range of tactics saved the break points for 4-4.

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There was no doubting though that Alcaraz was playing the better tennis as the set went on and the pressure continued to mount on Norrie. Impressive defensive shot-making mixed with an aggressive forehand saw Norrie save set point in the tenth game as he continued to rise to the challenge. In the end though it was Alcaraz who sealed the opening set in tenth game with a backhand return winner that powered past Norrie at the net which concluded a 59 minute set.

Norrie remained unfazed despite the early set going Alcaraz’s way as he made some aggressive approaches to the net, creating two break points in the opening game. However Norrie continued to be wasteful in big opportunities on return and would be punished for the missed break point opportunities. The Brit wasn’t pleased with the court conditions as an unfortunate slip at 40-15, cost him the game with Alcaraz going on the attack and breaking for a 2-0 lead.

The world number two then threatened for the double break at 3-0 before Norrie reeled off four points in a row to get on the board in the second set. That seemed to be the turning point in the match as Norrie would go in the attack in the next game and finally convert one of his break point opportunities thanks to a shanked Alcaraz forehand.

Now with the set back on serve, Norrie seemed to have more freedom from the back of the court as some erratic decision-making from Alcaraz saw the second seed capitalise sealing a second break in a row. Norrie had a 4-3 lead but the Spaniard retaliated by gaining the break back in the next game with some resilient baseline play. However Norrie regained his composure to break straight back and sealed the set with an ace to level the match at one set all.

The match was up for grabs as both players started to fatigue but it was Alcaraz who gained the early advantage as he held to love and some aggressive returning saw him gain the comfortable break for a 2-0 lead. However this set would have lots of momentum swings and the first of which saw Norrie turn the tides as some untidy unforced errors from the Spaniard gave Norrie three games in a row for a 3-2 lead.

Momentum was with Norrie as Alcaraz could barely move around the court but as it turned out that didn’t seem to matter much. The Spaniard pulled off one of the most ridiculous return games anyone will ever see as some fearless winners saw him gain the break back for 3-3. As the set went on, Alcaraz was struggling with the same injury that ruled him out of the Australian Open as he was now resorting to underarm serves.

Despite saving two break points in the ninth game, Alcaraz couldn’t deny Norrie for much longer as a misfired backhand from the Spaniard saw Norrie given the chance to close out one of the most dramatic finals of the last 12 months. The Brit converted the opportunity as he closed out the match with an ace and fell on his knees in celebration as he secured his first ever ATP 500 title and the biggest clay court title of his career.

 

 

Norrie describes ‘special’ milestone

It’s been an incredible last two weeks for Norrie on a surface that he’s not too comfortable with and ends by capturing the biggest clay court title of his career. The win also means it’s Norrie’s first ATP 500 title of his career as well as the first title of the new season on his third attempt.

Speaking after an incredible victory Norrie described the title as ‘special’ and admitted he had to overcome many demons to win the title.

“So special to win this one, especially I’d lost a couple finals already this year and I had to do it the tough way,” Norrie told the ATP website.

“A set and a break down and 0/30 on my serve, I was looking done there and I managed to flick a switch and turn it around, so it was a good day. Especially on a surface that I’m not too comfortable with. I had to battle a lot of demons the last couple weeks, but I managed to just play well in the big moments and that’s what it took today.”

Norrie will now look to continue his impressive start to the season as he competes in Acapulco next week.

 

 

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