Carlos Alcaraz Faces ‘Best In The World’ Medvedev For Shot At Indian Wells Title And No.1 Spot - UBITENNIS

Carlos Alcaraz Faces ‘Best In The World’ Medvedev For Shot At Indian Wells Title And No.1 Spot

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read

Carlos Alcaraz says he is ready for a stern challenge against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev when they clash in the final of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday. 

Alcaraz, who is the top seed in the draw, secured his place in the final by defeating Italy’s Jannik Sinner 7-6(4), 6-3, in what was a testing encounter that lasted almost two hours. The world No.2 broke his opponent once in each set as he hit 28 winners against 15 unforced errors. He now leads their head-to-head 3-2 with Indian Wells being only the second match they have played which was decided in straight sets. 

“Playing against Jannik is never easy,” Alcaraz said. “I knew that I had to increase my level. It was really close the first set. On the second I calm down the nerves, played more relaxed and (that) was the key of everything.”

The 19-year-old started the 2023 season later than most of his peers due to injury but since returning he has won 13 out of 14 matches played with his only loss being to Cameron Norrie in Rio. At Indian Wells, he is yet to drop a set in the tournament. Prior to Sinner, he also scored wins over Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jack Draper, Tallon Griekspoor and Thanassi Kokkinakis. 

Awaiting Alcaraz next is the in-form Medvedev who overcame Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6(4), in his semi-final match. The world No.6 was broken twice whilst trying to serve the match out and failed to convert six match point opportunities before prevailing in the tiebreaker. 

“It was crazy at the end,” Medvedev said. “I got super tight. I would say that (after) 6-5, 40-0, I think I got tight at deuce when I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s a lot of opportunities missed. This could go not well for me.'”

Medvedev is currently on a 19-match winning streak which began on February 14th. The winning run has seen him achieve wins across three continents and four countries. He has only played Alcaraz on the Tour once before at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships which he won in straight sets.

“I am an ambitious guy,” Alcaraz said ahead of the final. “I want to play against the best players in the world and I would say that Daniil is the best player right now. Amazing winning streak. It’s going to be a difficult challenge but I am prepared for that.”

Besides the chance of winning his first Indian Wells title, the Spaniard knows that victory on Sunday will secure his return to world No.1 on Monday. In 2022 Alcaraz became the youngest year-end No.1 player in history and has already held the position for 20 weeks, four weeks longer than Medvedev, who is almost seven years older than him. 

“I know if I win [on Sunday] I’m gonna become the No 1,” Alcaraz commented. “Well, I will try not to think about that — just to think about the things that I have to do, you know? I would say gonna be a really tactic match against Daniil. (It) is gonna be really tough. I have to make, let’s say, everything perfect. That’s all I’m gonna think (about).
“But, you know, it [would] be great to win, of course.”

Should Alcaraz win, he would also become the second player after Rafael Nadal won have won a third Masters 1000 title as a teen. 

The Indian Wells men’s final is scheduled to start at 16:00 local time (23:00 GMT).

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