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Fans hailed Carlos Alcaraz's performance in the Rio Open final after the former World No. 1 went toe-to-toe with Cameron Norrie despite suffering an injury midway through the match.
The Spaniard made his return to the tour earlier this month after being sidelined for almost four months, forcing him to miss the ATP Finals and the 2023 Australian Open. In the Rio final, he was leading Norrie 7-5, 3-0, 30-0 when he felt discomfort in his right leg, a recurrence of his previous injury.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz competed with a bandaged leg. However, his injury limited his on-field movement and Norrie eventually had the last laugh, winning the match 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
Tennis fans have shown their support for Alcaraz despite the defeat, hailing the teenager for giving Noorie a tough fight. In a video that was going around on social media, the crowd at the stadium can be seen chanting Alcaraz's name as he addressed the crowd and thanked them.
Just a week ago, the duo locked horns in the final of the Argentina Open, which was Carlos Alcaraz's first tournament after being sidelined for a few months with injury. He showed his class on his return to the tour, beating Norrie 6-3, 7-5 to win his first trophy since his US Open triumph.
How has Carlos Alcaraz fared in 2023?
Since his comeback from injury, Carlos Alacaraz has had an impressive 2023 season. At the Argentina Open, the World No. 2 dropped just one set in his title-winning run. In the summit clash, he beat Norrie in straight sets to clinch his first title since his maiden Grand Slam triumph in New York last year.
Alcaraz continued his good form at the Rio Open, where he reached the final before going down to Norrie, ending his eight-match unbeaten run since his return from injury.
He will now travel to Mexico to play in the Mexican Open, where he will face Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round.
