Rio Open: Norrie reaches third final of the season; meets Alcaraz next

The Brit beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (3) to reach his second final on clay in as many weeks

Cameron Norrie at the 2023 ATP Rio Open

Tennis Majors

February 25, 2023

Rio Open presented by Claro •Semi-final • completed

See draw

B. Zapata MirallesvsC. Norrie

Second seed Cameron Norrie edged out Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles in a third set tiebreaker to advance to his third final of 2023 at the Rio Open on Saturday.

The 27-year-old left hander needed two hours and 29 minutes to win 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (3) to reach his second final on clay in as many weeks. Norrie also reached the final in Buenos Aires last week where he was defeated by world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz.

The Brit will get a chance to avenge that loss on Sunday as Alcaraz, the top seed this week, defeated Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry in the second semi-final in Rio de Janeiro, to set up a second successive final showdown against Norrie.

“I just found a way, it was really tough” – Norrie on semi-final win

With today’s win, Norrie, who won the Auckland title in January, improves to 17-3 this year, leading the ATP Tour with most wins in 2023 so far.

“That’s all it was today was physical in that third set,” the Brit said after his win. “I just found a way, it was really tough. He fought hard. I’m serving much better, hitting my spots much better. I’m going to have to finish the points [in the final] and execute and execute well otherwise I’m going to have no chance.”

Norrie, ranked No 13 in the world, had won against Argentinian lucky loser Juan Manuel Cerundolo (7-5, 6-1), Brazilian Thiago Monteiro (7-5, 7-5) and Hugo Dellien (4-6, 6-1, 6-4) earlier in the tournament.

On the other hand, Zapata Miralles, ranked No 63, qualified for his ATP 500 semi-final by scoring wins over Jaume Munar (6-3, 7-5), Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, the No 4 seed (6-1, 4-6, 6-1) and No 7 seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas (6-4, 2-6, 6-4).

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