Indian Wells: Alcaraz Advances to Quarterfinals, Draper Upsets Former Champion Fritz
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Synopsis
Carlos Alcaraz dominated Grigor Dimitrov at Indian Wells, winning 6-1, 6-1, while Jack Draper achieved a notable upset against Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz's quest for a three-peat continues, and Draper aims for his first quarter-final victory.
Key Takeaways
- Alcaraz extends his winning streak to 15 matches.
- Draper eliminates former champion Fritz for a quarter-final spot.
- Alcaraz aims for a historic three-peat.
- Draper could break into the Top 10 if he advances further.
- Ben Shelton awaits Draper in the next round.
Indian Wells, March 13 (NationPress) Carlos Alcaraz effortlessly defeated Grigor Dimitrov with a score of 6-1, 6-1, extending his remarkable winning streak at Indian Wells to 15 matches. He is now just three wins away from achieving a three-peat at this prestigious event.
The Spanish player, who conceded only six games in his first two matches, delivered an impressive performance in the challenging windy conditions on Stadium 1. Alcaraz's remarkable athleticism prevented Dimitrov from making significant progress in what was an entertaining evening match.
After securing ATP Masters 1000 titles in Shanghai (2023) and Miami (2024), Dimitrov aimed to become only the fourth man to achieve four or more victories against Alcaraz, following in the footsteps of Zverev, Djokovic, and Sinner. He also sought to join Felix Auger-Aliassime as the only player to defeat Alcaraz three consecutive times, according to ATP reports.
Alcaraz is on track for an Indian Wells three-peat. If he can replicate the achievements of Roger Federer (2004-06) and Novak Djokovic (2014-16), he will tie Jannik Sinner for the top spot in the ATP Live Race To Turin. In the PIF ATP Rankings, Alcaraz remains stagnant at No. 3 this week, trailing behind Sinner and Alexander Zverev, even if he clinches the title.
Earlier, Jack Draper celebrated the most significant victory of his season by knocking out former champion and World No. 4 Taylor Fritz with a score of 7-5, 6-4, marking his first advancement to the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
Draper's win, which lasted 79 minutes, propelled him into his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final. As the World No. 14, he could break into the Top 10 for the first time if he reaches his second tour-level final of the season (Doha). He previously reached the quarter-finals in Montreal in 2022 and Cincinnati in 2024.
In California, Draper aims to progress further, as he prepares to face Ben Shelton, the youngest American to reach the Indian Wells quarter-finals in 21 years, following Andy Roddick, who was 21 in 2004.
The 22-year-old defeated countryman Brandon Nakashima with a score of 7-6(6), 6-1, continuing his impressive record against American players and advancing to his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.
