Alcaraz wins tight battle with Norrie for the Madrid Open quarterfinal

Carlos Alcaraz needed 3 sets to take down Cameron Norrie for the 3rd time in his career 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 reaching the Madrid Open quarterfinal.

Alcaraz followed compatriot Nadal in reaching the quarterfinal of the Madrid Open but just like Nadal, he complicated it much more than he needed to. Alcaraz opened well taking advantage of poor decision making by Norrie early in the match. He kept that lead up until 5-3 when he lost his serve when serving for the set. Norrie had a chance to make it 5-5 but failed to do so and Alcarza escaped with 6-4.

The Spaniard played okay but he never quite found the sensational rhythm he had in past events. Alcaraz would hit a brilliant shot and then slam a forehand wide and in circles. Norrie is in top conditions and he doesn't mind playing long rallies. He was able to keep Alcaraz honest never making him too comfortable. Norrie even take the 3-2 lead in the 2nd set but gave the break back immediately.

Both continued playing well on their own serves and we sailed into the tiebreak. There Norrie simply outplayed Alcaraz who was a bit too eager to end it right there and Norrie took it 7-4. The final set saw Alcaraz jump out to an early break determined not to allow the match to slip away. The Spaniard was able to keep the lead until 5-3 when he added another to finish it off.