'No feeling at all': Carlos Alcaraz crashes out of Paris Masters after stunning defeat to Cameron Norrie

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock early exit at the Paris Masters on Tuesday, crashing out 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Britain’s Cameron Norrie after admitting he had “no feeling at all” for the ball during the match.

The defeat not only extended Alcaraz’s barren run in Paris — where he has never won the title in five attempts — but also jeopardised his top ranking, with Jannik Sinner now poised to overtake him if he wins the tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Returning to competition after a three-week injury layoff, Alcaraz looked rusty and out of rhythm despite a promising start. “I had a lot of good practices here and felt great,” the 22-year-old said after the match.

“But today, even in the first set that I won, I felt like I could do much more. I tried to be better in the second set, but it was the opposite. I just felt worse. I had no feeling at all.”Norrie, ranked 31st, capitalised on Alcaraz’s erratic form with a composed and clinical display. The Briton kept his nerve during crucial moments, breaking at 3-3 in the final set before sealing the biggest win of his season. “Such a special win to beat probably the most confident player in the world right now,” Norrie said.

“I told myself before the match, even if I get into a winning scenario, I’m not going to be afraid to win.

I stayed true to that.”Norrie’s dazzling shot-making drew gasps from the crowd at the La Défense Arena, with Alcaraz even pausing to applaud his opponent’s artistry at times. A perfectly placed lob and a breathtaking passing shot in the opening games summed up Norrie’s fearless approach.
For Alcaraz, it was another night of frustration in Paris, reminiscent of his mid-match dips during this year’s Roland Garros before he managed to recover — except this time, there was no comeback.

“I’m really disappointed about my level today,” he admitted. “It is what it is.”The loss leaves Alcaraz searching for answers ahead of the ATP Finals, while Norrie moves on to face the winner of the all-family affair between Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech. The Briton’s upset has blown the Paris Masters wide open — and left the men’s No. 1 spot hanging by a thread.