CARLOS Alcaraz produced a very measured response to Jannik Sinner’s hot start to beat the Italian in a thrilling semi-final clash at Indian Wells on Saturday. Alcaraz’s 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 win ended Sinner’s 19-match winning streak and ended the Italian’s perfect 16-0 start to the 2024 season.
By leveling the series of Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings between the two at 4-4, Alcaraz also denied Sinner the chance to surpass his position as world No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
“I stayed strong mentally,” said Alcaraz, who pointed to his head after the win.
“I think that’s a very important part of the game. You have to be mentally strong if you want to overcome this type of match, going a set down to someone who is playing really amazingly. I’m really happy with the things I’ve done since then .
“I changed my style of play a little bit, I changed my style of play a little bit and I think it went very well. I’m very happy to beat Jannik and be in the final again.”
It was the second year in a row that Alcaraz beat his good friend and rival in the Indian Wells semifinals, and now he will look to defend his title at the ATP Masters 1000 in Sunday’s final against Daniil Medvedev or home favorite Tommy Paul.
Also read: Sinner and Alcaraz appear dominant through the top 32 at Indian Wells
The first man to reach the Indian Wells final as defending champion since Roger Federer in 2018, Alcaraz will carry his 11-match winning streak at the event into the finals, where he will seek his first trophy since Wimbledon.
Alcaraz advanced to his sixth ATP Masters 1000 final (4-1), denying Sinner his fourth (1-2). This was his first tour-level final since he lost to Novak Djokovic last August in an epic match in Cincinnati; he previously had an 0-4 record in semifinals since then.
In the First Set, Sinner won four straight games after a rain delay to take the opening set 6-1 in dominant fashion. The Italian won five games in a row overall, starting by holding serve just before heavy rain stopped play on the Indian Wells stadium court.
Also read: Alcaraz and Medvedev Fight for Title in Indian Wells Final
Sinner’s consistency and depth of shooting made it difficult for Alcaraz in the 37-minute set, with the third seed also using his strength to move Alcaraz around the baseline. In a nearly flawless start, he took six winners to one by Alcaraz, according to Infosys ATP Statistics. He faced just one break point in the opener, saving it at 3-1 to consolidate his first break of the set.
In the Second Set, Alcaraz battled through deuce in the opening game of the second set and got a crucial hold to stop the loss. He won the set 6-3 by changing the tone of the game, growing into baseline points and introducing more variety to his game.
A hot streak ensued as both players showcased their all-court games, including a points-of-the-season candidate when the speedy Sinner excelled in a cat-and-mouse exchange at the front of the court.
Also read: Carlos Alcaraz was stung by a bee in the middle of his match against Zverez at Indian Wells
Alcaraz saved break points at both 4-2 and 5-3, striking an all-or-nothing backhand in the final game before closing out the set with an unmatched drop shot.
The players combined for 19 points at the net in a highly entertaining set, with Alcaraz winning nine of his 12 attempts going forward.
In the Third Set, Alcaraz continued to mix up his tactics in the final set and lost just three points on serve in a one-way decider.
Also read: Jannik Sinner Advances to Semifinals of Indian Wells Masters
By returning to “Medvedev territory” on returns, he hurt Sinner with big chunks to start points and often started bold rallies.
Alcaraz delivered a crucial blow in another must-see point for a 2-1 break: After chasing the net cord and stretching for a clever drop volley, he kept his cool after Sinner’s crawling stab for a volley into the open court.
Italy’s level dropped as Alcaraz reeled off five games in a row to lead 5-1, and the reigning champions kept their cool to secure victory on their third match point after two hours, five minutes. (ATPtour/Z-3)
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