Cameron Norrie’s Rio Open title defence is over with the British No 1 knocked out in the semi-finals by qualifier Mariano Navone after struggling with the Brazilian heat.
Second seed Norrie, aiming to become the first man to win this tournament twice, lost 6-4 6-2 to his Argentine opponent, who will now face compatriot Sebastian Baez in Sunday’s final.
Norrie defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win the Rio Open 12 months ago but has not reached a final since and was comfortably seen off by Navone, the world No 113, on Saturday.
Norrie struggled with the Brazilian heat on Saturday
The 28-year-old lost his opening service game and although he broke back immediately, Navone picked up a second break to move 4-3 up and went on to take the first set after Norrie saved three breaks points at 5-3 down.
Norrie and Navone traded further breaks at the start of the second set before another slog of a battle in the third game, which saw Norrie save four points on his serve before eventually succumbing.
After falling 5-2 down, Norrie received treatment from the physio but got back on his feet to see the game out even though his fate was already sealed.
Navone’s win, his first over a top-50 player, made him the first qualifier to reach an ATP 500 final since Jiri Vesely in Dubai in 2022.
Earlier on, Baez beat compatriot Francisco Cerundolo 7-5 6-0.
At the Qatar Open, meanwhile, Karen Khachanov defeated 18-year-old Jakub Mensik in straight sets to claim his sixth ATP Tour title, winning 7-6 (14-12) 6-4.
Mensik, ranked 116th in the world, beat Andy Murray and world No 5 Alexander Zverev en route to becoming the first teenager to reach the Qatar Open final
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Karen Khachanov beat 18-year-old Jakub Mensik 7-6 6-4 to win the Qatar Open as he sealed the sixth ATP title of his career.
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream tennis and more sport contract-free through NOW.
