By Richard Pagliaro Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Image source: BNP Paribas Open
Indian Wells—Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie Standing side by side in Stadium 2.
Tomorrow night, the former Indian Wells champion will take on the BNP Paribas Open semi-final berth at Arena 1.
World number one Alcaraz is aiming to avenge his 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Norrie at the Rolex Paris Masters last October.
In that game, Norrie’s bewildering attack forced the Spanish superstar to make 54 unforced errors, helping him secure his first win against the defending No. 1 side.
Nouri and Alcaraz’s mural is located on the same wall on the 200th floor of Stadium 2. Alcaraz said he expected another tough test with the British southpaw on Thursday night.
“It was a really tough match against Cam and I had a great battle with him,” Alcaraz said after defeating Caspar Ruud 6-1, 7-6(2) in a rematch of the 2022 U.S. Open final today. “I just lost to him in my last fight, so I really want revenge.
“Let’s see how it goes. Really looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
The combination of facing Noori’s flat-handed backhand and his heavy topspin forehand has caused some confusion for Alcaraz in the past.
In fact, Nori has beaten Alcaraz in two of the last three games, despite the Spaniard leading the series 5-3 on aggregate.
The two-time Indian Wells champion said Norrie goes into gladiator mode every time he plays and he has to match the former TCU standout’s intensity on the first pitch.
“I would say southpaws are always tough to play against. Like the way he can change, you
You know, what I’m talking about is the height of the ball,” Alcaraz said. “His backhand is really flat and his forehand has really good topspin. So sometimes you can be a little confused as to how the ball comes to you.
“He’s a gladiator. You know, he’s a real warrior, fighting every ball, every game, every set. So, you know, it’s really hard when you face a guy who never gives up any point or any ball.”
