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Cameron Norrie secured the most important success of his professional journey by rallying from a early deficit to beat top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Masters.

While he had previously beaten Alcaraz on two separate matches, this triumph signifies Norrie's first ever victory over a current world top-ranked player.

"Massive. Incredibly significant for me," said Norrie, who joins as the fifth UK male player in the record books to beat a world No 1. "Bouncing back from a physical setback last year, I lost in the first round of qualies here. I just tried to enjoy my game in the latter part of the year. To secure a win like this, it's the biggest win of my professional life, my first win over the world No 1 and probably the most confident competitor in the sport right now."

Norrie, ranked 31st globally, also ended Alcaraz's supreme sequence of nine consecutive finals and 17 consecutive premier event successes, which marked the best series of outcomes in the young champion's developing professional path.

Game Overview

Alcaraz looked to be moving confidently towards victory at the start as he sailed in the opening set. Nevertheless, the British contender slowly worked himself back into the game by delivering with improved accuracy and pulling the Spaniard into extended, grueling points. His unceasing consistency and reliability steadily made an impact.

Through most of the battle, Alcaraz delivered strong serves but he found it challenging to get his timing right on his baseline shots. The young star appeared notably uncomfortable executing his signature shot, which has been the top weapon in the world for most of this year, haemorrhaging 29 mistakes off the forehand side and a combined of 54 errors. Opposing him, the British player offered his opponent so few mistakes, sustaining his consistency, physicality and depth throughout while delivering effective serves and choosing his moments to move into the court and attack well.

Final Phase

In the tight last moments, Norrie brilliantly kept his nerve to defeat the best player in the game.

Professional Background

Following dealing for months due to a serious left forearm injury and struggles with his form, the tennis professional dropped as far down as 91st in the rankings this year. Having reached the advanced stages at Wimbledon and the Roland Garros second week subsequently, this triumph further underlines the 30-year-old's progress as he seeks to return to the world's top twenty and further. Alcaraz, in spite of his extraordinary success, is has not yet solve how to deliver his top form in indoor conditions.