World’s top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz expressed his disappointment after suffering a defeat in his initial match at the Paris Masters against British player Cameron Norrie. Alcaraz, a six-time Grand Slam champion, has been unsuccessful in clinching the Paris Masters title in five previous attempts and now faces the risk of losing his top ranking if his rival Jannik Sinner triumphs in the tournament.
Alcaraz, who had been out of official competition for three weeks due to an ankle injury that caused him to miss the Shanghai Masters, entered the Paris event feeling physically strong. However, he admitted to lacking his usual touch and performance during the match, attributing it to a lack of connection with the ball.
Despite his efforts to improve his game throughout the match, Alcaraz struggled to regain his form, similar to a previous experience at Roland Garros. He acknowledged making numerous mistakes and not feeling his best on the court.
The Spanish player commended Norrie for seizing the opportunity and playing exceptional tennis. Norrie, ranked 31st, impressed spectators with his skills and confidence on the court, eventually securing a significant victory over Alcaraz.
Norrie reflected on his triumph as a special win against one of the most confident players in the tennis world. He remained focused and determined throughout the match, showcasing remarkable shot-making abilities that left the audience in awe.
In another match, US player Taylor Fritz advanced to the third round with a solid victory, while former Paris Masters champion Daniil Medvedev comfortably won his match against Jaume Munar. Young talent Joao Fonseca, fresh off a recent title win, displayed resilience to defeat Denis Shapovalov in a challenging encounter.
Several other players, including Felix Auger-Aliassime and Valentin Vacherot, also secured wins in their respective matches, setting the stage for exciting matchups in the upcoming rounds of the tournament.
Italian player Jannik Sinner is set to begin his campaign at the Paris Masters against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the next round.