World number one Carlos Alcaraz swept past Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the third round of the Indian Wells Masters, while Novak Djokovic battled back to secure a three-set victory over Kamil Majchrzak.
Spain’s Alcaraz was largely untroubled by the former world number three from Bulgaria, extending his perfect 2026 record to 13-0 with a comfortable win in just 66 minutes.
Djokovic, a five-time champion at Indian Wells who has struggled at the tournament in recent years, needed two hours and 12 minutes to defeat Poland’s Majchrzak 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Alcaraz admitted he approached the match cautiously against Dimitrov, but remained firmly in control despite the swirling winds on Stadium Court, striking with power and precision from the baseline.
The 22-year-old Spaniard saved the only break point he faced in the second set and appeared relaxed throughout, even sharing a high-five with his opponent during a changeover.
“I think I played great,” said Alcaraz, whose victory at the Australian Open earlier this year made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
“The conditions weren’t easy, there was a lot of wind today. I’m really happy that I was able to achieve the goals I set before the match.”
Alcaraz, who followed his Melbourne triumph with a title in Doha, said he enjoys competing in California.
“I love being here so much. That’s why I’m just playing relaxed, calm and enjoying it,” he said.
Djokovic’s path to victory was far less comfortable.
The 38-year-old Serbian star, playing his first match since losing to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final was broken twice early as Majchrzak claimed the opening set.
However, Djokovic gradually found his rhythm from the baseline and took control of the match.
“Five weeks with no official match, I knew the first match after such a long time would be tricky,” Djokovic said.
“I felt like I had to find my A-game when it was most needed, especially at the beginning of the third set.”
The match featured several extended rallies, including a 40-shot exchange in the opening game of the deciding set.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Djokovic, who suffered early exits in recent appearances at the tournament and has not reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells since winning the title in 2016.
Draper rallies
Defending champion Jack Draper began his title defence with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback victory over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.
Draper ended Alcaraz’s bid for a rare Indian Wells three-peat in last year’s semi-finals before defeating Holger Rune in the final.
That triumph propelled the Briton to world number four before an arm injury cut short his 2025 season.
“To come out and play at this level after the injury I had makes me really proud,” Draper said.
Elsewhere, Brazil’s João Fonseca saved two match points to defeat 16th-seeded Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.
Seventh seed and former champion Taylor Fritz squandered four match points in the second set but eventually prevailed 6-3, 6-7 (8/10), 6-1 against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
AFP
