Alcaraz, Norrie To Meet Again, This Time In Rio Final
For the second straight weekend Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie will meet for a South American clay court title. This time at the ATP 500 stop in Rio.
Both advanced to a sixth meeting by winning in three sets.
Alcaraz dropped the opener by rallied to defeat qualifier Nicolas Jarry 6-7(2-7), 7-5, 6-0. The second ranked Alcaraz grabbed the last eight games of the contest, and he won 11 of the last 13 points.
“I’m so proud of myself,” Alcaraz said to the ATP. “To be in a final again in my second tournament is a really special moment for me.
“I couldn’t ask for a better start of 2023.”
Alcaraz, who needed treatment multiple times for his leg, will take an 8-0 record on the season into the final against Norrie who he leads 4-1 including a loss to the teen last week in the Buenos Aires final.
Norrie advanced defeating Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7-3). The Brit overcame a 2-0 break deficit in the third winning four straight games but couldn’t hold the lead, eventually opting for a final set breaker.
“That’s all it was today was physical in that third set,” said Norrie. “I just found a way, it was really tough. He fought hard. I’m serving much better, hitting my spots much better.
“I’m going to have to finish the points,” Norrie said looking ahead, “and execute and execute well otherwise I’m going to have no chance.”
Norrie reaches his 14th career final. He is seeking his 5th career title. Zapata Miralles was vying for his 1st career final.
Alcaraz advanced his 10th career final. He is looking for his 8th career title.
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