Match Reaction
Alcaraz Reflects After Norrie Upset: ‘I’m Not Sure What Went Wrong’
The Spaniard could lose his World No. 1 ranking if Sinner clinches the title in Paris.
October 28, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz suffered a defeat against Cameron Norrie in a thrilling three-set match on Tuesday night.
By ATP Staff
Arriving in Paris with unwavering confidence and momentum, Carlos Alcaraz seemed poised for success after clinching eight titles this season and reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.
However, the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris presented another layer of mystery for him, as British player Cameron Norrie triumphed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that left Alcaraz scratching his head.
“I entered the tournament with so much energy and optimism, believing I could achieve great results given my form,” shared Alcaraz, who holds a 5-5 record in Paris per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. “This year has been the pinnacle of my career as I head into the end of the season. I’ve spoken with my team and other players, and I genuinely feel great.”
Unlike previous years where he felt fatigued, both mentally and physically, Alcaraz noted that he came refreshingly rested after skipping Shanghai to recharge. “This event has historically been tough for me, but I’m determined to find solutions and improve here,” he vowed.
The match unraveled a rare scene where Alcaraz appeared to be out of answers. His ability to steer matches in his favor has been remarkable this season, but in the speedy indoor courts of Paris, things didn’t align as he hoped.
With the Nitto ATP Finals looming in less than two weeks, Alcaraz must pivot quickly to prepare for his quest for his inaugural title at the year-end event.
“I’ll focus on my preparation for Turin and the Davis Cup, as both are critical upcoming events,” Alcaraz mentioned. “Right now, I need some time at home to reflect. I will train hard to ensure I don’t face a setback like this again.”
With this defeat, Alcaraz’s fierce competitor Jannik Sinner has the opportunity to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking, should he secure his first title in Paris.
Norrie, expressing confidence before the match, mentioned he would “bring the fight” against Alcaraz. After losing the first set, he did just that, executing his heavy topspin forehand and showcasing both skill and determination to challenge Alcaraz effectively.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Norrie, as it was his first against a World No. 1. Now standing at 3-5 in his Head2Head series against Alcaraz, he earned praise from the Spaniard, who struggled to understand his own lackluster performance.
“I was feeling amazing during practice, moving well, hitting the ball cleanly,” Alcaraz reflected. “Even during the first set that I won, I sensed I could’ve done much more.”
“I aimed to step up in the second set, but it only went downhill from there. Credit to Cam; he simply dominated and didn’t allow me to regain my footing.”
Yet, 2025 has shown that Alcaraz rarely lets setbacks keep him down for long. While the Paris puzzle remains unsolved, his overall trajectory this season is unmistakably upward. With Turin on the horizon, another opportunity awaits for him to etch a new milestone in his already impressive career.
