Rio de Janeiro –
A rematch is expected in the Rio Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norry.
Both advanced to the semi-finals of Friday’s clay-court tournament, potentially replicating the Argentine Open decider won by the Spaniard last weekend.
Defending Rio Open champion Alcaraz defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 7-6 (0). He will face Nicholas Jarry, who beat Sebastian Baez 6-3, 7-6(3).
The Chilean player, who received an 11-month ban for doping in 2020, has been trying to regain his rankings since February last year. His best ranking was 38th, but today he is 139th.
The 19-year-old Alcaraz didn’t play his best tennis in Brazil as he did in his first two matches, but he was winning nonetheless. Unforced his errors, difficult first serve and less energy than usual were evident throughout the Spaniard’s match against Lajovic.
Alcaraz, who won his first major at last year’s US Open, will be competing in his second tournament since suffering a right foot injury that kept him out of action for four months.
Alcaraz and Jarry have never met on tour.
“Physically, I feel like I’m at a great level, playing tough and demanding matches every day,” said Alcaraz. “Last year I was at a great level and won tournaments here, in Miami and elsewhere.
Second seed Norry beat Bolivia’s Hugo Darien 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. The British player next faces Bernavesa Patamirales, who beat her Spanish compatriot Albert Ramos her Vinolas 6-4 2-6 6-4.
“I had a very slow start. “I was lucky enough to be patient.”
