Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz Upset by Cameron Norrie at Paris Masters

PARIS, France — Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz was upset by unseeded Cameron Norrie in a hard-fought second round at the Paris Masters, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday. The match marked a surprising end to Alcaraz’s 17-match winning streak at Masters events.

Alcaraz, a six-time Grand Slam champion, struggled throughout the match, accumulating 54 unforced errors and winning only 64% of his first-serve points. After losing the second set, Alcaraz engaged in an animated discussion with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. “I’m really disappointed about my level,” Alcaraz said. “I didn’t feel well today. A lot of mistakes.”

Norrie, ranked No. 31, sealed his victory with a powerful first serve on his second match point, marking his first career win against a world No. 1 player. “(It’s) massive—so big for me,” Norrie expressed. “I’ve just tried to enjoy my tennis in the second half of the year and to get a win like this, the biggest of my career.”

This defeat not only ended Alcaraz’s streak but also allowed second-ranked Jannik Sinner a chance to take the top spot in the ATP rankings if he wins the tournament. Alcaraz, who has claimed eight titles this season, including three Masters and both the French Open and U.S. Open, reflected on the surprising loss, saying he felt he could have done more despite winning the first set.

Norrie will next face the winner of the upcoming match between Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot. Vacherot advanced by defeating 14th-seeded Dan Evans earlier on Tuesday. Vacherot noted the change in atmosphere at the new venue, La Défense Arena, which hosts a variety of sports events.

The Paris Masters moved from its traditional location at Bercy Arena to La Défense Arena this year, which has received mixed reviews from players regarding its noise level and facilities. Sinner, who finds the venue comfortable, praised the setup while fellow competitor Alexander Zverev noted challenges with the noise during practice.