"He's doing too much, like Carlos Alcaraz was injured; Norrie's the real deal" - Tennis fans divided after Cameron Norrie's 2023 Rio Open win
Cameron Norrie rallied past an injured Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Rio Open on Sunday (February 26) as the Brit secured the fifth title of his career.
In the last meeting between the two at the Argentina Open final, Norrie was outclassed by the top-seeded Spaniard in straight sets. The Brit, however, had his revenge against the World No. 2 in Brazil.
Alcaraz and Norrie went head-to-head in the opening set of the Rio final, which ultimately went the former's way thanks to his well-taken drop shots. The Spaniard, however, felt pain in his right leg in the second set, which kind of hindered his movement. Norrie took advantage of the teenager's setback as he rallied to claim the remaining two sets and clinch the title.
While several fans showered Norrie with praise for his achievement, many maintained that he would not have made it all the way if not for Alcaraz's injury. After the title win, one fan lauded the World No. 13, writing:
"Norrie’s the real deal"
Norrie’s the real deal twitter.com/tennistv/statu…
Another user remarked on the "mad comeback" that Norrie pulled off after trailing by a set at the start.
"Cam [Norrie] is a literal Indian Wells champion and this may be the best reaction I’ve seen from him after a win. Mad comeback in the match and will feel so good after losing their Argentina final seven days ago," a tweet read.
Cam is a literal Indian Wells champion and this may be the best reaction I’ve seen from him after a win. Mad comeback in the match and will feel so good after losing their Argentina final seven days ago. twitter.com/tennistv/statu…
However, on the flip side, several fans felt that the celebrations from Norrie were over-the-top as Carlos Alcaraz played the match with an injury.
"He's doing too much, like carlos was literally injured," a fan opined.
twitter.com/TennisTV/statu…he's doing too much, like carlos was literally injured😭 twitter.com/TennisTV/statu…
Here are a few other fan reactions:
@josemorgado Norrie made it unnecessary dramatic 🙂 Should have won it earlier based on the condition of his opponent. And Alcaraz once more proved that he is something else and is going to bring a lot of joy to the fans with his tennis. Spectacular shots.
@josemorgado Very very Happy for Norrie but didn’t understand his celebration at the end; If you’re opponent is obviously injured and playing not even at 50%, you don’t do that for respect… i guess.
@josemorgado Norrie is so pathetic that even when he wins he is pathetic
@josemorgado Biggest win???
He played against 10% alcaraz
🏼@josemorgado Outstanding victory for Cam Norrie against a top player like Alcaraz, and to do it on clay makes it even more impressive!
With a bit more work, Norrie will surely become a top 5 player 👏🏼
@josemorgado A huge win for @CamNorrie against a huge young talent. All credit to Cam for opting for his worst surface down South America way and ending with a runners-up and a title. Perfect lesson in challenging one self to improve & succeeding. The Brit wins 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 v @CarlosAlacarz
@TennisTV @cam_norrie we love to see it!
"He didn't take any injury time out at all in the match" - Cameron Norrie on Carlos Alcaraz's injury
Cameron Norrie has stated that he was not aware of Carlos Alcaraz having an injury during the final at the Rio Open. He remarked that the Spaniard did not take a single injury break during the entire match.
"I didn't see [Alcaraz was injured]. I broke him to make 4-3 in the second set, then he called the trainer. But he didn't take any injury time out at all in the match," he said during the post-match press conference.
However, he expressed great pleasure at having triumphed over "a top player" like Alcaraz.
"It is special when you do it against a top player like Alcaraz. It took a lot of heart," added the 27-year-old.
With the loss in Rio, Alcaraz failed to equal Novak Djokovic in points at the top of the ATP rankings.