Paris Masters 2025: Cameron Norrie beats Carlos Alcaraz to advance to last 16
Britain’s Cameron Norrie described his victory over Carlos Alcaraz as “the biggest win of my career” as he advanced to the last 16 of the Paris Masters with a gritty comeback against the world number one.
Nouri, who was beaten in straight sets by the Spaniard in this year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals, won 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in the French capital.
“This win means a lot to me,” said Norrie, who missed the Paris Olympics and U.S. Open last year with a forearm injury.
“I lost the first qualifying round here last year. After recovering from injury, I have been trying to enjoy my tennis in the second half of the year and I was able to do that.
“To get the biggest win of my career, my first against the number one player in the world and probably the most confident player in the world right now, I’m happy with my performance.”
Alcaraz won the first set before Norrie responded strongly in the second, breaking serve early and maintaining momentum to set up the deciding set.
The world No. 31 then hit an incredible backhand pass to beat Alcaraz in the deciding set and saved two break points to clinch victory.
“I took a walk with my coach this morning and we talked about serving in the match and what I need to tell myself,” said Norrie, who defeated Sebastian Baez in straight sets in the first round on Monday.
“Yesterday against Baez, my serve was very, very tight.
“I told myself I should be in this moment, I want to be here, and I felt relaxed.
“It’s a good walk, a very important walk.”
The Briton will next face the winner of the second round, against wildcards Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech.
Alcaraz, who made 54 unforced errors on Tuesday, was coming back from an ankle injury in his first match on tour since defeating Taylor Fritz in the Japan Open final in late September.
His opponent Jannik Sinner, who will face Belgian Zizou Bergs in the second match, may now lose his No. 1 ranking if he goes on to win the Paris Championship.
“I’m very disappointed with my level,” Alcaraz said after the loss.
“All my thoughts were clear, all my goals were clear, but even in the first set I won, I felt like I could do a lot more than I actually did.
“I have to give Cam credit. He played really well, a solid game, and I think that’s the key.”
