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The British tennis star earned the most important win of his career by rallying from a early deficit to overcome top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the prestigious indoor tournament.

Even though he had earlier beaten Alcaraz on two occasions, this win signifies Norrie's first ever win over a sitting world No 1.

"Massive. Extremely important for me," said Norrie, who is now the latest British man in history to overcome a world No 1. "Bouncing back from a physical setback last year, I fell in the opening stage of qualies here. I just tried to appreciate my game in the closing months of the year. To achieve a victory like this, it's the biggest victory of my career, my first win over the global number one and arguably the most in-form player in the tennis scene right now."

Norrie, positioned No 31, also halted Alcaraz's impressive sequence of nine finals in a row and 17 successive Masters 1000 successes, which marked the top run of outcomes in the Spanish star's developing career.

Contest Overview

The top seed appeared to be moving confidently to a win in the beginning as he eased past the first set. However, the British contender steadily battled back into the match by serving with greater precision and dragging the Spaniard into prolonged, grueling points. His unceasing shot tolerance and reliability slowly took its toll.

For much of the contest, the world number one delivered strong serves but he had difficulty to get his timing right on his baseline shots. The rising talent looked notably struggling striking his forehand, which has been the most effective stroke in the sport for much of this year, committing 29 mistakes off the forehand side and a overall of 54 mistakes. Opposing him, the British player presented his opponent minimal unforced errors, maintaining his steadiness, fitness and penetration all match while delivering effective serves and picking his spots to force himself inside the baseline and attack well.

Closing Moments

In the tight final games, Norrie superbly kept his composure to overcome the best player in the world.

Career Journey

Following struggling for an extended period due to a serious arm issue and difficulties with his game, the tennis professional fell as far down as 91st in the rankings this season. Following appearances in the quarter-finals at the grass-court major and the French Open round of 16 after that, this win highlights the veteran's development as he attempts to come back to the world's top twenty and further. Alcaraz, despite his remarkable achievements, is has not yet master how to deliver his best tennis in indoor conditions.