Indian Wells
\n Orange Crush: Alcaraz routs Dimitrov in flawless Indian Wells opener<\/p>\n
Two-time champion next faces Rinderknech<\/p>\n
March 08, 2026<\/p>\n
ATP Tour<\/p>\n
Carlos Alcaraz is 13-0 in 2026.
\n By Grant Thompson<\/p>\n
Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> continued his perfect start to the season on Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open<\/a>, delivering a fittingly flawless performance to down Grigor Dimitrov<\/a> 6-2, 6-3.<\/p>\n Sporting a bright-orange shirt with tangerine shorts \u2014 and a fresh fade haircut \u2014 Alcaraz was dominant from the baseline, beginning his Indian Wells campaign in the same form he produced to win the Australian Open<\/a> and the ATP 500 event in Doha last month. A two-time Indian Wells champion, Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 13 matches. <\/p>\n \u201cI knew it was going to be difficult with the conditions,” Alcaraz said following his second-round win. “His style is really, really dangerous and it\u2019s always tough to control the ball when he steps on the court and he\u2019s hitting his shots. With the wind today, it was even tougher and I think I adapted my game better and that\u2019s why I took the match. In general, I\u2019m really, really happy with the things that I\u2019ve done today.\u201d<\/p>\n OH MY ALCARAZ \ud83d\ude31 @BNPPARIBASOPEN<\/a> | #TennisParadise<\/a> | @carlosalcaraz<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/LQlEXIWB6Q<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ATP Tour (@atptour) March 8, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Despite the challenge of blustery conditions across the desert, Alcaraz still struck his forehand with pinpoint accuracy and usual firepower. The 22-year-old\u2019s confidence was nearly palpable as he cracked large smiles and looked at ease throughout the 66-minute match. After Alcaraz hammered a forehand winner to close the seventh game of the second set, Dimitrov met him with a high five during the changeover.<\/p>\n \u201cI love playing here. I love being here so, so much,” Alcaraz said. “I think that\u2019s why I\u2019m playing relaxed, playing calm, chilling, trying to enjoy every time I step on the court.”<\/p>\n The World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings improved to 5-2 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against the Bulgarian, 12 years his senior. The former No. 3 has troubled the Spaniard before, notably defeating him two years ago in Miami, where Alcaraz hilariously said Dimitrov\u2019s performance \u201cmade me feel like I\u2019m 13 years old\u201d. The fan favourites met in Indian Wells last year, with Alcaraz cruising to a 6-1, 6-1 win.<\/p>\n Into the third round, Alcaraz next faces 26th seed Arthur Rinderknech<\/a>, against whom he holds a perfect 5-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head record. Rinderknech\u2019s second-round opponent Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo<\/a> withdrew due to a left leg injury, giving the Frenchman a walkover.<\/p>\n