ATP Tour news: Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie still on course for Rio rematch
- Michael Schmitt
- 25 February 2023
Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie are on course for a rematch in the Rio Open final should both men come through their semi-final encounters on Saturday.
The Spaniard and the Englishman contested a final in Argentina less than a week ago when they were also the top two seeds in the tournament, with Alcaraz coming out on top.
The 19-year-old, who is the defending champion in Rio this week, claimed a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(0) win over Serbian Dusan Lajovic to advance to the semi-finals on Friday.
It was a mixed performance from Alcaraz, who smashed 32 winners to Lajovic's 13 but also made 25 unforced errors and suffered a break of serve in each set.
He saved a crucial set point at 5-6 in the second set with some brave play at the net that ultimately paved the way for victory, however, as he dominated the ensuing tie-break.
"That's the point... to find a way to come back against a tough opponent," Alcaraz said. "I had to be really focussed and be there all the time waiting for my chances."
World No 2 Alcaraz will meet Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry on Saturday.
Elsewhere, British number one Norrie reached the last four after battling back from a set down against Bolivian Hugo Dellien to win 4-6 6-1 6-4.
Norrie told the ATP Tour's website: "I didn't start too well, was missing a lot of returns and not making points physical like I wanted to.
"I needed to be patient with myself. I'm not sure what happened but I didn't make a lot of returns and missed a couple of first balls on my serve, which is uncharacteristic. I just hung in there and stepped it up when I needed to."
Norrie will meet Spain's Bernabe Zapata Miralles in Saturday's semi-final.
