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The British tennis star secured the most notable win of his career by rallying from a early deficit to beat world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the early stage of the Paris Masters.

Although he had earlier overcome Alcaraz on two prior meetings, this win represents Norrie's maiden win over a current world top-ranked player.

"Massive. Extremely important for me," stated Norrie, who is now the latest UK male player in history to beat a global number one. "Coming back from injury last year, I was defeated in the opening stage of qualifiers here. I just tried to appreciate my tennis in the second half of the year. To get a victory like this, it's the biggest victory of my professional life, my maiden triumph over the top player and arguably the strongest athlete in the tennis scene right now."

The British player, positioned No 31, also ended Alcaraz's dominant run of nine consecutive finals and 17 successive elite tournament victories, which represented the finest stretch of outcomes in the Spaniard's early professional path.

Contest Overview

Alcaraz appeared to be progressing easily to success early on as he eased past the opening set. Yet, Norrie gradually battled back into contention by serving with sharper placement and pulling the Spanish opponent into extended, grueling points. His relentless shot tolerance and reliability steadily took its toll.

For much of the contest, Alcaraz performed well on serve but he struggled badly to find his timing with his rally strokes. The 22-year-old seemed particularly struggling executing his forehand, which has been the most effective stroke in the game for much of this year, haemorrhaging 29 forehand miscues and a combined of 54 errors. Opposing him, the British player offered Alcaraz minimal unforced errors, keeping up his consistency, fitness and power all match while serving efficiently and selecting opportunities to advance into the court and strike effectively.

Closing Phase

In the tight closing stages, Norrie superbly held his composure to overcome the best player in the game.

Personal Journey

After battling for a long time due to a major left forearm injury and challenges with his game, the tennis professional fell as far down as 91st globally this season. Having reached the advanced stages at the grass-court major and the Roland Garros fourth round after that, this triumph reinforces the veteran's progress as he aims to return to the elite rankings and even higher. Alcaraz, notwithstanding his remarkable success, is has not yet figure out how to display his best tennis indoors.