Carlos Alcaraz’s loss shows the Monte Carlo-Barcelona double isn’t as easy as Rafael Nadal made it look

And why not, after the left-hander picked up his 200th career match win by sweeping past home favorite Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-4, 6-3, to reach the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell for the third time.

“Very, very good. I didn’t actually know that,” Norrie said upon being told about the milestone during his interview with ATP Media. “I know that yesterday that Roberto got 400, so I’m halfway to his. I’ll take that 200th win against a top player.”

Norrie, currently ranked No. 31, improved to 12-7 this season.

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The No. 12 seed remained undefeated in three meetings with Bautista Agut. While he lost initial break advantages in both sets, Norrie kept the pressure coming to take control of their latest contest. The Brit finished with nine more winners than his opponent on his way to breaking the 36-year-old five times.

“A lot of tough points in there. I was really pleased with how I handled myself when serving for the first set. I had a couple of tough games at the end of the second set and played a good game to break as well,” said Norrie. “I felt like I was moving well and I was pleased with my footwork.

“I just enjoy coming to this city and like being by the beach. Hopefully the sun stays out and I can go to the beach this afternoon.”

Norrie is seeking his second ATP 500 clay-court trophy, following his triumph over Carlos Alcaraz last season in Rio de Janeiro. That title run marked the last time Norrie contested a final.

In his quest to get through to the semifinal stage for the first time, the 28-year-old meets Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 13th seed battled past Brandon Nakashima, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, after trailing 3-5 in the second set tiebreaker.