Preview and Prediction
“There’s no secrets,” Norrie said when he was asked how he had beaten Alcaraz last fall in Paris. “I think I had to play well for over two hours, more than that. I had to keep pushing.”
That day Norrie handed Alcaraz one of his nine losses of 2025. With the win, the Brit improved his record to 3-5 against the Spaniard. It’s a head-to-head mark that a lot of his tour-mates would like to have.
Rather than secrets, there are clear reasons for Norrie’s success. He has always played Alcaraz tough, so he believes he has a chance. He’s a lefty, which throws a wrinkle at the world No. 1, and keeps him from hitting as many forehands. Most important, Norrie is speedy and consistent, with a compact backhand and good hands at net. He has a knack for keeping points going, even against Alcaraz.
“I was able to take the tennis to kind of the way I like to play it, playing long points,” he said after his Paris win.
The courts in Indian Wells should give Norrie a chance to extend the rallies again. These two played an entertaining match in the desert back in 2022, which Alcaraz won 6-4, 6-3. This might be closer, and Norrie might push him harder. But it will probably take more than Norrie has to knock Carlitos off his pedestal right now. Winner: Alcaraz
