Norrie Ends Alcaraz’s 17-Match Masters 1000 Winning Streak
In a stunning upset at the Paris Masters, Britain’s Cameron Norrie defeated world number one Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard’s 17-match winning streak at the ATP Masters 1000 level. Alcaraz, fresh from winning his eighth title of the season in Tokyo, appeared off his game, committing 54 unforced errors and displaying visible frustration during brief exchanges with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
After comfortably taking the first set, Alcaraz struggled to maintain momentum, while Norrie steadily grew in confidence. The world number 31 saved two crucial break points in the seventh game of the final set and ultimately held serve to seal a memorable victory after two hours and 22 minutes. “Massive victory, so big for me. Coming back from injury, this is my first win over a world number one,” Norrie said after the match.
A Career-Defining Triumph for Norrie
This victory marks a major milestone for Norrie, who has now reached the third round of a Masters event for the first time since 2023 Rome. It also matches his best previous showing in Paris, a tournament where he has been steadily improving over the years. Norrie will face either Valentin Vacherot or Arthur Rinderknech in the next round, both set to play on Wednesday in what promises to be an intriguing matchup.
Implications for Alcaraz and Year-End Rankings
Alcaraz’s defeat is his first loss before a final since March, halting a dominant Masters 1000 run that included titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati. This loss puts his year-end world number one ranking at risk, depending on the outcome of Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the Paris Masters. Should Sinner win the tournament, Alcaraz could lose the top spot in the ATP rankings.
Norrie’s win is being hailed as one of the biggest of his career, underscoring his resilience and marking him as a serious contender in the remainder of the Paris Masters.
