Cameron Norrie beats ailing Carlos Alcaraz for Rio title

Cameron Norrie came from behind to beat ailing Carlos Alcaraz to win Rio title. The Brit was trailing by a set and was 0-3 down in the second set but bounced back to take the crown. Norrie went on to win 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 after battling for two hours and 47 minutes in a thrilling clash against the Spaniard on Sunday.

Alcaraz, who wasn’t 100%, took the first set as he broke the Briton’s serve in the 12th game. The Spaniard then took a 3-0, 0-30 lead but could not capitalize due to a leg injury whereas Norrie made a perfect comeback.

“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 said as quoted by ATP Tour. “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.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz had recently beaten Norrie in the Argentina Open final but the Brit was able to take his revenge. Norrie was delighted after the win and with his whole-hearted effort.

“Especially on a surface that I’m not too comfortable with,” Norrie said. “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.”

With this win, Norrie will jump by one place to the number 12 position in the ATP rankings. The left-hander congratulated the Spaniard for another fine week on the tour.

“What a match, Charlie, man. Another battle. I had to give absolutely everything to beat you today and obviously it could have gone your way as well” Norrie said to Alcaraz during the trophy ceremony. “Congrats on another final. Congrats to your team.

“The match could have gone either way, but I managed to run a little bit more and it was a really good match. It’s an honour to share the court with you again and compete with you.”