World No. 1 Alcaraz, Surging with Confidence, Targets Third Indian Wells Title
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This 2026 Indian Wells edition is anything but ordinary for Carlos Alcaraz.
Crowned at the Australian Open in January, then at the ATP 500 in Doha, he has dominated the early season and now holds a lead of more than 3,000 points over his chief rival Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings.
What’s more, he has already won the California Masters 1000 event twice (2023 and 2024).
The painful memory of 2025
That said, it’s worth remembering that last year Alcaraz appeared destined for another triumph in California.
With his main rival Jannik Sinner absent (suspended), the path seemed wide open.
Yet an unexpected semifinal defeat to Jack Draper (6-1, 0-6, 6-4) derailed his bid for a third straight title.
A setback the world No. 1 no doubt remembers well – one that some observers believe will sharpen his focus and cement his status as the top favorite at Indian Wells.
“His only true competition…” : Sam Querrey’s analysis
Speaking to Tennis Channel ahead of the tournament, former American pro Sam Querrey didn’t hesitate in naming his pick:
“Carlos Alcaraz. His only true competition is Jannik Sinner, and even that feels more uncertain now that the Spaniard has elevated his game significantly since his Melbourne and Doha titles.”
Querrey goes further, even comparing him to the women’s field led by a player in top form:
“On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina is playing excellent tennis, but the WTA draw is much deeper, making it tough to pick her over Carlos in the battle for who has the best shot at winning.”
Dernière modification le 02/03/2026 à 10h48