Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his strong performance at the Indian Wells ATP Masters. He defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-4 to reach the last 16.
Alcaraz started the match with great focus, breaking Shapovalov’s serve early and taking a 5-0 lead. “I knew I had to start strong because it was going to be a tough battle,” Alcaraz said. He saved three out of four break points and finished the match with a powerful overhead shot.
If he wins the tournament, Alcaraz will join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men to win three straight Indian Wells titles.
Taylor Fritz and Francisco Cerundolo Also Win
World number four Taylor Fritz fought back to win against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. He struggled with unforced errors early but corrected his game in the final two sets.
Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo defeated Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4. Van de Zandschulp had previously shocked the tournament by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Alex De Minaur also secured a win against Hubert Hurkacz, 6-4, 6-0, marking his 50th Masters 1000 victory.
Top Women’s Seeds Advance
While men’s top players like Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic were eliminated, the top five women’s seeds all moved forward.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka won against Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-2 despite windy conditions. Sabalenka will next face British lucky loser Sonay Kartal.
Madison Keys had a tough match against Elise Mertens but won 6-2, 6-7 (8/10), 6-4. “It’s just about surviving,” Keys said, admitting she was struggling with expectations after winning the Australian Open.
Coco Gauff improved her serve and won against Maria Sakkari 7-6 (7/1), 6-2. Gauff had made 21 double faults in her previous match but reduced them to nine this time.
What’s Next?
With key players advancing and surprises in both the men’s and women’s draws, the Indian Wells tournament continues to bring excitement. Fans are eager to see if Alcaraz can make history and if the top women’s seeds can maintain their dominance.
