Last Updated: February 26, 2023, 11:27 IST
Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie gained semifinal matches to set up their second straight ultimate on the Rio Open.
If the Spaniard wins he is not going to solely defend his title in Brazil, but additionally tie Novak Djokovic in factors on the highest of the rating — the Serbian would nonetheless be No.1 as a result of different outcomes.
Alcaraz labored arduous to beat Nicolas Jarry 6-7 (2), 7-5, 6-0 on Saturday. Hours earlier, Cameron Norrie topped Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (3).
The top-seeded gamers within the clay courtroom event additionally clashed final weekend within the ultimate of the Argentina Open, which Alcaraz gained in straight units.
Alcaraz dropped solely his second set within the Rio Open event in opposition to Jarry.
The 19-year-old Spaniard was in hassle with the Chilean’s efficient service within the first two units however confirmed he had extra power within the third.
Alcaraz blanked Jarry within the ultimate set with a dominant efficiency.
“Nico has great power, an incredible service and he has shots to make any player’s life difficult,” Alcaraz mentioned of Jarry after the match, the place till the top of the second set his Chilean opponent had gained nearly 90% of the factors after his first service.
“I am not going to do anything different (from the Buenos Aires final against Norrie). I think he will, and I will debate that with my team tomorrow.”
Norrie will play his third ultimate of the 12 months. He wanted 2 1/2 hours to beat Zapata Miralles. In the deciding set, Norrie saved a break level within the fifth sport, and broke the Spaniard within the sixth however was compelled to a tiebreak. His stronger first service made the distinction.
“I tried to finish the points a little bit too early. I was a bit overconfident,” Norrie said.
Asked what he needs to do differently from the finals in Buenos Aires and Auckland, which he lost to Alcaraz and Richard Gasquet, Norrie said: “I have to play better in the big moments.”
Norrie currently leads the tour in wins in 2023, with 17 victories and three losses.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)
