Cameron Norrie produced one of the finest wins of his career on Tuesday night, defeating world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Rolex Paris Masters. The result marked Norrie’s first-ever victory over a top-ranked player and ended Alcaraz’s 17-match winning streak at ATP Masters 1000 level.

The match began with Alcaraz asserting control through trademark aggression, dictating early rallies and breaking Norrie in the fifth game to take the opening set 6-4. Yet the Spaniard’s rhythm never quite settled indoors. As the second set unfolded, Norrie tightened his serving patterns, mixed up his pace, and extended rallies to force errors. The Briton’s patience paid off, as Alcaraz racked up 54 unforced errors across the contest — a strikingly high figure for the usually precise world No 1.

Momentum turned midway through the second set. Norrie broke for 4-2 with a deep return that pinned Alcaraz behind the baseline, then served out the set confidently. By the decider, the match had tilted. Norrie’s defensive retrieval and calm under pressure frustrated Alcaraz, who looked increasingly agitated as his forehand misfired. Two saved break points in the seventh game proved critical; Norrie held firm, then sealed victory with a composed service game at 5-4.

Speaking afterwards, Norrie called it “the biggest win of my career,” a result that restores belief after a difficult season disrupted by injuries and inconsistent form. For Alcaraz, it was a rare off night — flashes of brilliance were undermined by errors and an inability to adapt to the slower, lower-bouncing indoor conditions.

The upset carries significant implications. Norrie moves into the last 16 in Paris with renewed momentum and a ranking boost, while Alcaraz’s defeat reopens the race for year-end No 1.

He out-thought Alcaraz, forcing the world No 1 to play his way into discomfort. He now faces the winner of Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech in the third round.