Last Updated: February 27, 2023, 07:49 IST
Cameron Norrie received the ATP Tour Rio Open (AP)
Cameron Norrie defeated Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 to clinch the ATP Tour Rio Open
Britain’s Cameron Norrie took benefit of an ailing Carlos Alcaraz to win the ATP Tour Rio Open on Sunday.
Second seed Norrie got here from behind to declare the fifth event win of his profession, profitable 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 in 2hrs 40mins.
Norrie’s victory got here precisely seven days after the British world quantity 13 had misplaced to Spain’s second-ranked Alcaraz within the closing of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
“It’s so particular to win this one, particularly after dropping a few finals this yr,” said Norrie, who was also beaten in the final in Auckland in January.
But while Norrie celebrated, Alcaraz was left with fresh fitness concerns after an energy-sapping duel that saw him require repeated visits from the physio.
The 19-year-old, who only returned to tennis at last week’s tournament in Argentina after a four-month injury layoff, was clearly struggling with a sore hamstring during the latter stages of Sunday’s final.
He needed heavy strapping on his right thigh midway through the second set, when he collapsed from a 3-0 lead to allow Norrie to take the set and level the match.
Alcaraz is due to play at the Mexican Open in Acapulco next week and after that has the Indian Wells Masters looming in California in early March.
The former world number one had looked to be in control after clinching the first set with a rasping forehand up the line to break Norrie for the first time in the match.
He then sprinted into a 3-0 lead with another quick break of serve in the second set and appeared to be building unstoppable momentum.
However, Alcaraz was soon struggling with his sore thigh and Norrie broke twice to take a 4-3 lead.
Although Alcaraz fought back to break again and level at 4-4, the Spaniard was broken on his next service game and Norrie held to level the match at a set apiece.
While Alcaraz was clearly not firing on all cylinders in the decisive third set, the Spaniard was still capable of moments of free-swinging inspiration with 19 forehand winners.
But Norrie gave himself the chance to win his first tournament of 2023 after breaking Alcaraz for the sixth time in the match for a 6-5 lead.
Norrie then held, clinching victory with an ace.
“I had to do it the tough way — a set down and a break down and 0-30 on my serve,” a jubilant Norrie stated afterwards.
“I used to be wanting completed there, however I managed to flick a swap and switch it round so it was a superb day.
“I had to battle plenty of demons, however I managed to play effectively within the huge moments and that’s what it took right this moment.”
Read all of the Latest Sports News here
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
