Britain's Cameron Norrie (left) and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz pose with their trophies after the ATP 500 Rio Open tournament singles final match at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Feb 26, 2022. (PHOTO / AFP)

Britain's Cameron Norrie fought back from a set down to beat world number two Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 6-4 7-5 in the Rio Open final on Sunday, turning the tables on the 19-year-old Spaniard after losing to him in the Buenos Aires decider a week ago.

Norrie, who collected his first ATP title of 2023 and fifth overall, looked to be heading for a second straight defeat to the clay court tournament's defending champion when he was broken in the second set.

But with US Open champion Alcaraz needing his right leg wrapped midway through the set Norrie seized the momentum and won four straight games to level the match.

ALSO READ: Alcaraz hails dream return from injury after Buenos Aires win

Britain's Cameron Norrie returns the ball during the ATP 500 Rio Open singles tennis final match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz (not in photograph) at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Feb 26, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

After twice trading breaks in the third set, Alcaraz saved two break points in an epic ninth game but Norrie converted a break point opportunity at the fourth attempt in the penultimate game before claiming the win at the ATP 500 event.

"I was looking done there and I managed to flick a switch and turn it around, so it was a good day," Norrie, who lost to Richard Gasquet in the Auckland final last month, said in remarks provided by the ATP.

"I had to battle a lot of demons the last couple weeks, but I managed to just play well in the big moments and that's what it took today."

ALSO READ: Norrie stuns Nadal to give Britain lead in United Cup

Alcaraz, who spent more than three months on the sidelines due to abdominal and hamstring injuries, also needed treatment for an upper left leg issue during his semi-final victory over qualifier Nicolas Jarry on Saturday.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz eyes the ball during the ATP 500 Rio Open singles tennis final match against Britain's Cameron Norrie (not in photograph) at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Feb 25, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

"It was the end of two tough weeks of tennis and of course you're not at your top (level) physically," Alcaraz said.

"I felt something in my leg and that didn't really help me. Now it's time to recover."

READ MORE: Norrie surges into Rio Open last 16

Alcaraz said the injury would need to be assessed but did not close the door on competing in Mexico next week.

"I really like Acapulco. I want to go there and play in front of the Mexican fans," he said.