Carlos Alcaraz appeared well on his way to a second consecutive Rio Open presented by Claro title on Sunday when he led Cameron Norrie 7-5, 3-0 0/30. But a resurgent Norrie and physical issues for the Spaniard proved too much to overcome.

Second seed Norrie rallied for a 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory after two hours and 42 minutes in the ATP 500 final. The triumph marked the Briton’s fifth ATP Tour title and his first hardware of the season.

“So special to win this one, especially I’d lost a couple finals already this year and I had to do it the tough way,” Norrie said. “A set and a break down and 0/30 on my serve, I was looking done there and I managed to flick a switch and turn it around, so it was a good day.”

Alcaraz was not at his best in the early going, but when he crushed a backhand return winner to capture the opening set, momentum was fully on his side. Norrie showed frustration as he relinquished an immediate service break in the second set and the match appeared to be slipping away. But he never stopped battling to earn his ATP Tour-leading 18th win of the season (18-3). No other player has more than Daniil Medvedev’s 14 victories.

After losing in the Auckland final in January and the Buenos Aires championship match last week, it was an emotional win for Norrie.

“Especially on a surface that I’m not too comfortable with,” Norrie said. “I had to battle a lot of demons the last couple weeks, but I managed to just play well in the big moments and that’s what it took today.”

The lefty refocused just in time in the second set to stay in the match and Alcaraz’s right leg began to bother him. The Spaniard had it wrapped in the middle of the set and his movement thereafter became noticeably hindered, as did his serve.

As Norrie acted as a wall at the back of the court, Alcaraz tried everything possible to fight his way to the finish line. From serving and volleying to crushing returns and rushing forward, the Spaniard searched for solutions despite his physical struggles.

The World No. 2 played ultra-aggressive tennis to rally from a break down in the third set and put himself within a few more big shots of victory. From jaw-dropping power from the baseline to making consistent use of his drop shot to end points quickly, the Spaniard kept his hopes of a second consecutive title in Rio de Janeiro alive.

The 19-year-old seemingly maintained dialogue with his team throughout the early part of the third set with the severity of his injury unclear. He never let slip his fighting spirit.

But Norrie never panicked and let the tidal wave of Alcaraz’s shotmaking overwhelm him. After crushing an ace down the T to end the match, Norrie dropped to his knees and let our a roar to celebrate. The Briton will climb one place to No. 12 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.

“What a match, Charlie, man. Another battle. I had to give absolutely everything to beat you today and obviously it could have gone your way as well” Norrie said to Alcaraz during the trophy ceremony. “Congrats on another final. Congrats to your team.

“The match could have gone either way, but I managed to run a little bit more and it was a really good match. It’s an honour to share the court with you again and compete with you.”

Did You Know?
Alcaraz defeated Norrie in the final of the Argentina Open last week in Buenos Aires. This was the first time two players have played finals against one another in back-to-back weeks since Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray split titles in Madrid and Rome in 2016.

Who can stop Novak Djokovic in 2023? So far, nobody has.

The Serbian, who said Sunday he is approaching full health after suffering a hamstring injury in January in Australia, will next bring a perfect 12-0 record for 2023 to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Djokovic is back in action this week for the first time since collecting his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. His unbeaten season record will be put to the test at the Dubai ATP 500, where he feels right at home.

“Dubai in the last 10 or 15 years has become one of the most important places and bases for tennis players, both men and women,” Djokovic said. “So many players come here in the offseason, including myself. I try to use a week or two in December and come play the tournament [in February]. Fantastic climate, very international, the conditions, facilities, everything is phenomenal.

“People love tennis [here]. People appreciate tennis players here. I feel comfortable. I feel welcomed. I’ve had plenty of support in previous years when I’ve played in Dubai. I’m really looking forward to a great atmosphere on the court.”

The 35-year-old has tallied a 43-7 match record at the outdoor hard-court event including titles in 2009-11, 2013, and 2020. In 2022, Djokovic suffered a quarter-final exit to eventual finalist Jiri Vesely.

Already a two-time titlist this year (Adelaide, Australian Open), the World No. 1 said he is feeling close to 100 per cent. When he captured his record-extending 10th title at Melbourne Park, the Belgrade native played through a left hamstring injury. Even so, Djokovic dropped just one set at the season’s first major.

“It was challenging,” Djokovic said. “I knew what I was going through and my team members [did also]. That makes the victory in Melbourne even greater because I had to face [adversity].

“I [didn’t] practise one single day between matches. I just warmed up for the match and played. Luckily I [had] a great preparation prior to Australia and plenty of tennis.

“Right now, I haven’t felt pain for the last week or so. I feel good on the court, still building and getting to 100 per cent. I’m still not there, but it’s a process.”

On Monday, the 93-time tour-level champion will make more history. Djokovic, who will enter his 378th week as World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, will surpass Stefanie Graf with the most weeks atop the sport for men or women. Following his title in Melbourne, Djokovic reclaimed the No. 1 spot and his leap from World No. 5 marked the biggest jump to top spot in history (since 1973) from one edition of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings to the next.

Top seed Djokovic will begin his quest for a sixth Dubai crown against Tomas Machac. The winner will meet Tallon Griekspoor or Constant Lestienne. Djokovic could meet eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz or Andy Murray in the quarter-finals.

Players at the Movistar Chile Open did their part Saturday to help support those suffering due to the wildfires in Chile.

Chilean trio Cristian Garin, Alejandro Tabilo and Nicolas Massu were joined by defending Santiago champion Pedro Martinez for an exhibition to raise money for Desafío Levantemos Chile.

“It’s very sad of course and for me it’s very important to support in some way. I think with this exhibition we are trying to get as much as possible,” Garin said. “Today many people came and it was nice to help in some way the south of Chile in this time. I know the people are suffering a lot, so we try to send love and money of course.”

Fans who attended made voluntary donations to benefit those affected by the fires in the south of the country. Money raised will be used to support those in the impacted areas.

“It’s very important. I know everybody over there has been struggling a lot. One of my best friends lives there and is from there, and my coach is also from there, so it’s a very sensitive spot for the whole team,” Tabilo said. “Happy to help and always very excited to help.”

Martinez won his first ATP Tour title in Santiago last year. The Spaniard was happy to do his part to help those in need.

“It’s always good to do tennis things for a great cause. I’m feeling good here in Santiago,” Martinex said. “I hope all the people who suffered from the fires will recover as soon as possible.”

A manic February on the ATP Tour will be rounded off with another three-tournament week. Novak Djokovic headlines the field at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, while Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC. Both are ATP 500 hard-court events.

At the Movistar Chile Open in Santiago, an ATP 250 clay-court tournament, Lorenzo Musetti and Dominic Thiem will take to court.

ATPTour.com looks at five things to watch at each event.

View Draws: Acapulco | Dubai | Santiago

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN ACAPULCO
1) Alcaraz Headlines Field: Alcaraz will lead the field as the top seed when he makes his second appearance in Acapulco. The Spaniard, who lost in the first round on debut in 2021, has found his best level since returning to Tour from injury earlier this month. He won his seventh tour-level title in Buenos Aires and is into the final in Rio de Janeiro.

2) Ruud & Rune In Action: Casper Ruud and Holger Rune arrive in Acapulco aiming to clinch their first title of the season. The Norwegian Ruud is competing for the first time since he lost in the second round at the Australian Open. Making his second appearance at the hard-court event, the second seed will open against a qualifier. Rune, who is making his debut, holds an 8-4 record on the season, with his best result a run to the semi-finals in Montpellier.

3) Fired-Up Fritz: Taylor Fritz will compete in the ATP 500 event at a career-high World No. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. The 25-year-old captured his first title of the season in Delray Beach earlier this month. Fritz, who reached the final in Acapulco in 2020, Monday will be the first American to be ranked inside the Top 5 since Andy Roddick in September 2009.

4) Seeded Threats: Cameron Norrie, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Matteo Berrettini all compete in a strong field in Mexico. Norrie reached the final last year, while Tommy Paul has started the season impressively, advancing to the semi-finals at the Australian Open. Making his fifth appearance at the event, Tiafoe will try to advance past the second round for the first time. Berrettini competes for the first time since he lost to Andy Murray in Melbourne last month.

5) Koolhof/Skupski Lead The Way: Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski are the top seeds in the doubles draw in Acapulco, where they will try to claim their first title of the season. Ruud is competing in the field with American William Blumberg and Berrettini will partner brother Jacopo Berrettini.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN DUBAI
1) Djokovic Returns: Djokovic returns to action for the first time since January, when he won his 10th Australian Open crown and record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title. The Serbian, who holds a 12-0 record on the season, has fond memories of Dubai, lifting the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020.

2) Defending Champion Rublev: Andrey Rublev soared to success in Dubai last year, defeating Jiri Vesely in the final to clinch what was his 10th ATP Tour title. The 25-year-old will attempt to rediscover his best form at the ATP 250 this week after suffering a quarter-final defeat against Jiri Lehecka in Doha.

3) Daniil & Felix Target Success: Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off in the Doha semi-finals last week, with Medvedev prevailing en route to the title. Making his third appearance in Dubai, Medvedev is chasing his third tour-level title of the season after also winning in Rotterdam earlier this month.

4) Wild Card Murray: Andy Murray has not made life easy for himself in 2023, earning six deciding-set wins this year. The Scot arrives at the hard-court tournament off the back of a run to the final in Doha, where he defeated Alexander Zverev and in-form Czech Jiri Lehecka. The former World No. 1 triumphed in Dubai in 2017.

5) Turin Competitors In Dubai: In the doubles draw, three teams that competed in last year’s Nitto ATP Finals will be in action. Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic are the top seeds, Ivan Dodig/Austin Krajicek are seeded second and Lloyd Glasspool/Harri Heliovaara are the third seed. The fourth seeds, Hugo Nys/Jan Zielinski, reached the final of this year’s Australian Open.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN SANTIAGO
1) Musetti Top Seed: Italian Musetti will be seeking his third tour-level title when he makes his debut at the Movistar Chile Open. The 20-year-old made a quick start to his season at the United Cup, where he earned four wins for Team Italy. The Santiago top seed will play Jaume Munar or Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.

2) Can Schwartzman Find Form? Diego Schwartzman arrives in Santiago bidding to snap a four-match losing streak. The Argentine, who is making his debut, has produced his best tennis on clay, winning three of his four tour-level crowns on the surface. The fourth seed will open against Rio de Janeiro semi-finalist Nicolas Jarry or Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas.

3) Baez & Cerundolo In Action: Sebastian Baez has enjoyed a standout February, winning his second tour-level title in Cordoba before he advanced to the quarter-finals in Rio de Janeiro. The 22-year-old performed well in Santiago last year, reaching the final. In contrast, Francisco Cerundolo has had a steady start to the season, advancing to the quarter-finals in Cordoba and Buenos Aires. He will begin his Santiago campaign against Fabio Fognini or Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

4) Garin & Thiem Receive Wild Cards: Home favourite Cristian Garin and former World No. 3 Thiem have both received wild cards. Chilean Garin captured the title in Santiago in 2021, while Thiem is making his debut.

5) Gonzalez/Molteni Seek More Glory: Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni are on a roll, having lifted the trophy in Cordoba and Rio de Janeiro. Will they add another to their collection in Santiago? The Argentines are the top seeds in Chile.

Hubert Hurkacz was not without his vulnerable moments on Sunday in the final of the Open 13 Provence. Yet the top seed repeatedly defied Marseille local Benjamin Bonzi — and the wishes of a vocal home crowd — with a stunning serving display to lift the title at the indoor ATP 250.

The World No. 11 Hurkacz secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory in which he sent down 19 aces and won 93 per cent (41/44) of points behind his first delivery. Even when under pressure, the Pole was relentless with his power and accuracy on serve. He fended off three Bonzi set points at 5-6 in the second set and then delivered a rock-solid tie-break display to seal his first ATP Tour title of 2023.

“I’m super happy today. Congrats to Benjamin, he played really well,” said Hurkacz post-match. ”I think he deserved to win the second set, I just tried to compete as hard as I can… He’s been playing really well this year and for sure he’s going to get a title very soon.”

Hurkacz is now 10-4 for the season after lifting his first tour-level title since his Halle triumph last June. Although he will not rise any spots in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings as a result of his week in France, he will move to within 96 points of World No. 10 Holger Rune on Monday.

“I think my game is getting better,” said Hurkacz. “I’m super happy with the way I competed today. I was able to come up with some good shots and good serves in the important moments, so I’m really happy with that.”

The 26-year-old finished the week in Marseille with a tournament-leading 72 aces. Yet his all-around game also held up well at difficult moments throughout his title run — he was pushed to three sets by Leandro Riedi and Mikael Ymer in his opening two rounds before edging Alexander Bublik in an entertaining semi-final on Saturday.

Despite championship match disappointment in his hometown, Bonzi will rise 15 spots to No. 45 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday after reaching his second tour-level final.

“It was a good week,” reflected Bonzi. “Unfortunately, today was not the win… He was playing very well. He was serving too good for me today. I tried to put pressure on the second set to go to a decider and see what happens. But he was too strong. It was [still] a good week with many things to remember and to improve, so we will see in the next [tournament].”

Hurkacz and Bonzi had played only once before, when the Pole was a straight-sets winner at a 2018 ATP Challenger Tour event in Brest. He made a fast start to his maiden tour-level meeting with the World No. 60 Bonzi, opening an early 4-1 lead after breaking the Frenchman in the fourth game of the match.

Bonzi had the home fans on their feet when he converted his first break point of the match to reduce his deficit to just one game, but their joy was short-lived. Hurkacz stayed aggressive on return in the following game to break again for 5-3 before re-establishing his serving dominance to take the set.

The late drama in the second set suggested that Bonzi, playing in his second ATP Tour final, had started to take the initiative. Yet after Hurkacz saved the three break points to force a tie-break, the momentum swung back to the Pole. He claimed the only mini break for either player on the first point and delivered a final serving barrage to secure his triumph.

With the win, Hurkacz sealed his second ATP Tour title on indoor hard courts, after his 2021 victory in Metz. He now holds a 6-1 record in tour-level finals.

After promising signs for their partnership in 2022, Santiago Gonzalez and Edouard Roger-Vasselin on Sunday claimed their first ATP Tour title together.

The top seeds rallied to victory in the championship match at the Open 13 Provence, where they defeated Nicolas Mahut and Fabrice Martin 4-6, 7-6(4), 10-7 in Marseille.

Gonzalez and Roger-Vasselin teamed twice last season, reaching the final in Indian Wells and the semi-finals in Cincinnati, before they reunited on a full-time basis in January. Despite holding a 4-4 record for the year coming into this week, the duo justified its status as top seeds in Marseille with victory at the indoor hard-court event.

Although Gonzalez and Roger-Vasselin could not convert any of their four break points in the final, they held their nerve in the tie-breaks to claim a 99-minute victory. The Mexican-French pairing won the final five points of the match to recover a 5/7 deficit in the Match Tie-break and defeat Mahut and Martin, who are both former champions in Marseille.

It was a first Marseille title for Gonzalez, and a third for Roger-Vasselin. The Frenchman also lifted the trophy there alongside Mahut in 2012 and with Julien Benneteau in 2014.

Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni can leave the ‘Golden Swing’ happy. The Argentines won a late-night championship match at the Rio Open presented by Claro to claim their second title (Cordoba) of the South American clay-court swing.

At nearly 12:45 a.m. local time, Gonzalez and Molteni downed second seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Marcelo Melo 6-1, 7-6(3) to win the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro.

Gonzalez and Molteni’s first deliveries were effective in the final; the pair won 33 of 40 points off their first serves. In the second set, the Argentines held their nerve as they fended off two set points on their serve to avoid a match tie-break.

The Rio crown marks Gonzalez and Molteni’s third team title. When they made their partnership debut in October 2022 at the ATP 250 in Gijon, they went on a title run and have since made three additional tour-level finals (Vienna, Cordoba, Rio).

Home favourite Melo was seeking his first title on Brazilian soil since Costa do Sauipe in 2011. The 39-year-old veteran was chasing his 37th title and first in Rio.

Following a deep run in Rio de Janeiro, Nicolas Jarry is set to return to home soil and rock the house at this week’s ATP 250 event in Santiago, where he could meet fourth seed Diego Schwartzman in the second round.

Jarry’s aunt, Catalina Fillol, is the tournament director of the 2023 Movistar Chile Open, where Lorenzo Musetti, Francisco Cerundolo, and Sebastian Baez are also in action during the final week of the ‘Golden Swing’.

The Chilean Jarry earned a special exemption into his home tournament as he was still alive in the Rio de Janeiro semi-finals when the draw was made. The 27-year-old pushed World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz to three sets in the Rio semi-finals. Returning to the Top 100 for the first time since the Pepperstone ATP Rankings froze due to COVID-19 in March 2020, Jarry is set to pass countryman Cristian Garin as the Chilean No. 1 on Monday—just in time for his home tournament. He will open against Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas, who was a semi-finalist last week in Buenos Aires.

Top seed Musetti, who is at a career-high 18 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, is hoping to end his slow start to the year with a deep run on the Chilean clay. The 20-year-old will face wild card Alejandro Tabilo or Jaume Munar in the first round and is seeded to meet Schwartzman in the final four.

In intriguing opening-round action, wild cards Dominic Thiem and 2021 champion Garin will face off, with the winner drawing an encounter against third seed Baez. Rio de Janeiro semi-finalist Bernabe Zapata Miralles will face countryman Roberto Carballes Baena in their third meeting of 2023 (Pune, Cordoba). The Spaniards split their first two encounters of the season, with Zapata Miralles claiming the most recent one in Argentina.

Four Argentines are included in the bottom half of the draw and should the seedings hold, Cordoba champion Baez would face countryman Cerundolo in the semi-finals. Baez, 22, was a finalist in 2022 at the Movistar Chile Open.

After claiming his maiden tour-level title this past year in Santiago, Pedro Martinez will open his title defence against a qualifier.