Cameron Norrie (12th) is the first finalist of the ATP 250 Argentina Open 2023. The British defeated the Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas (101st) 7-6 (5) and 6-4. Great start to the year for Norrie, who will play his second definition, the 12th since 2021.
A very even first set was played. Varillas showed tennis similar to the one that made him advance from the Qualy to the semifinal. However, in the decisive moments of the tie break, Norrie knew how to close the points, with the power in his right hand as his main weapon.
The British went from less to more and the second set played even better. Varillas wanted to impose his game and be aggressive as he had been in the quarterfinals against Lorenzo Musetti (18th), but the rival did not allow it.
In this way, Cameron will try to lift the dunk trophy for the first time. “Argentina is a very special place for me, I had already come to the qualy in 2019. I feel very good here, I feel that I am playing very good tennis this week,” Cam said.
He also spoke about his role models in this sport: “My idol is Andre Agassi, but without a doubt Andy Murray is someone very important in my career.” He also talked about the level of players present in this edition of the Argentina Open.
“The tournament draw was very difficult, with many good players who excel on clay, it would be great for me to win this title.” In the final he will face the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, the first favorite of the contest. “It’s going to be a tough game for sure,” Norrie said.
“I lost a tough final in Auckland so hopefully I can get the good feeling back tomorrow in the final.” Norrie beat Alcaraz in their last match at the Western & Southern Open last year, but the Spaniard leads the ATP Head2Head by 3-1.
Alcaraz confirmed his rise
A final for his return after three months away from the circuit, Carlos Alcaraz could not have dreamed of better. He confirmed his rise to power against his compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the semi-finals on Friday evening (6-2, 6-2).
The level of adversity is now set to increase on Sunday as world No. 12 Cameron Norrie comes up against him. Already winner of six titles for two lost finals in his young career, the world number 2 explained his way of approaching these matches.
“The controlled nerves are pretty good: they keep you very focused and don’t let you get distracted at all. I am a very competitive player and I approach the finals with the following philosophy: the finals are not played, they are won.
I keep that very much in mind. I have to give it my all, I can’t let the nerves of a final get in the way, stop me from letting off steam, having fun or being myself on the court. Especially in the beginning, you need to release the tension of playing an endgame and go out there and enjoy it.”
