Carlos Alcaraz is back in his best form. The Spaniard cruised past World No. 4 Daniil Medvedev 7-6(5), 6-1 to retain his Indian Wells Masters title. This is his first title since he became champion at Wimbledon last year.
Alcaraz entered Indian Wells week with a 6-3 record on the season and during his last appearance, in Rio de Janeiro, he injured his ankle, which forced him to retire. But the second-ranked player in the PIF ATP Rankings emerged victorious from a star-studded field in the California desert with the trophy and confidence restored.
“Winning this tournament means a lot to me because the week before, I had a lot of doubts about my ankle,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview.
“I remember my first practice here was just 30 minutes without movement and probably the first practice with really good tennis players was very difficult for me, because I thought I wouldn’t play as well as I could.”
“I wasn’t in good shape with my ankle, so there were a lot of doubts for me. But as soon as I stepped onto the court, the first round, I started to feel better.”
Alcaraz and Medvedev also met in the Indian Wells final one year ago, where the former won 6-3, 6-2. The two-time Indian Wells champion leads 5-3 in their head-to-head competition after a championship performance in which he hit 19 forehand winners compared to a total of 11 winners for his opponent.
Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Affirms Determination to Defend Indian Wells Masters Title
Alcaraz was not as smart as he showed at the start as he showed in the semifinals, when he ended Jannik Sinner’s perfect 16-0 start in 2024. Medvedev broke serve in the first game of the match and looked confident in the California desert, while his opponent made unnatural mistakes .
But once Alcaraz got back on serve at 3-2 with a sensational forehand passing shot, the message was clear: The match was on!
The Spaniard showcased his incredible athleticism and striking ability that have earned him millions of fans around the world. Many rallies are adventures with players’ shoes squeaking on the pitch as they quickly change direction to adjust during exciting points.
Also read: Alcaraz returns to number 1 after winning Indian Wells
Alcaraz broke serve in the first game of his return in the second set, knocking away a forehand return for the winner along the line. He never looked back, claiming the crown after one hour and 42 minutes.
According to Infosys ATP Stats, Medvedev lost 16 service games en route to the final and although he saved 7 of the 10 break points he faced against Alcaraz, he still lost three service games.
The champion took a page from Medvedev’s comeback book, standing well behind the baseline to take full swing on the ball and immediately put pressure on his opponent.
Also read: Alcaraz and Medvedev Fight for Title in Indian Wells Final
The tournament did not start well for Alcaraz, who lost the opening set of the event against the rising Matteo Arnaldi. But once he found his game, it became clear that Alcaraz was back to his best. The 20-year-old defeated two of the top four players in the world over the final weekend to earn his fifth Masters 1000 ATP title and 13th overall tour title.
”As I said after every game, I feel better and better,” said Alcaraz. “I’m very, very happy to win this tournament again.”
Medvedev is trying to win his first Indian Wells trophy. The event in California is the last hard-court Masters 1000 tournament he has not won — the 28-year-old has won six of nine Masters 1000s overall.
Also read: Medvedev Wins Entrance Ticket to the 2023 Indian Wells Masters Final
The world number four will now head to Miami, where he will defend his title. Alcaraz is also eager to keep his momentum going in Florida.
”Of course, winning tournaments really helps to move on to the next tournament,” said Alcaraz.
“Of course, winning another Masters 1000 — it’s a very difficult tournament to win — gives you additional motivation to keep going, additional confidence for Miami now and for what’s to come. For me it is an extraordinary thing to be able to lift this beautiful trophy again.” (ATPtour/Z-3)
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