Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday. This was the second straight year that it was Alcaraz vs Medvedev in the Indian Wells final. This is Alcaraz’s second straight title at Indian Wells, his fifth Masters 1000 title, and his 13th title overall in his career.
Alcaraz is just the second male player to win five Masters 1000 titles before the age of 21, the other being fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal who won nine titles before turning 21.
Rare Indian Wells Title Defender
So happy to win the ? in Indian Wells, but above all with my level this week against the best in the world! It means so much to me! ? Your support has been vital, once again! VAMOS! ?????
? Getty pic.twitter.com/fmchXpcyY2
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) March 18, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz is the first man to successfully defend an Indian Wells title in nine years. The last man to win consecutive titles in Tennis Paradise was Novak Djokovic, who won three straight Indian Wells titles from 2014 to 2016.
? Thriving in Tennis Paradise ?@carlosalcaraz etches his name on another title at the @bnpparibasopen! pic.twitter.com/F0j2JLbecb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 17, 2024
This is Alcaraz’s first title since Wimbledon, where he beat Djokovic in a thrilling five-set match, winning 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. This was arguably Carlos’ best win of his career, beating the guy who has 24 career major titles, the most of any player male or female in the Open Era. It’s also worth mentioning that Djokovic has been the year-end no. 1 a record eight times. When Alcaraz beat Djokovic, it was a big signal that he was up next in the men’s game. That has certainly held true since then.
Coming Back From Injury Fast
Alcarez injured his ankle just under a month ago at the opening round of the Rio open. He has come back to play high-level tennis in a short amount of time since that injury. He has not skipped a beat. There was not any indication that the ankle was nagging him during Indian Wells. He was playing as great as ever.
Tough Draw
Alcaraz had a tough draw, playing Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and third-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, who was on a hot streak of winning 19 straight before falling to Alcaraz. Medvedev was a tough opponent as well. He had a 14-2 to start 2024, won 5 titles in 2023, and has been a finalist in 5 major championships. With an overall number of 9 singles titles, 1 major title, and 10 championship appearances in his career, Danil Medvedev has made a name for himself as one of the top players in the men’s game today. However, he was still no match for Alcaraz at Indian Wells’ biggest stage.
Alcaraz vs Medvedev Match Recap
Daniil Medvedev started with a 3-0 lead in the first set. Then, the two held serve to a tiebreak. The first set lasted a grueling 69 minutes. In the second set, Alcaraz jumped out to a 3-0 lead. After that, Medvedev was toast. Alcaraz was in the zone and was not to be denied another title.
Alcaraz vs Medvedev Match Stats
Carlos Alcaraz recorded three more unforced errors than Daniil Medvedev, 26 to 23. Despite that, Alcaraz had more than twice as many winners as the Russian did, 24 to 11. Alcaraz produced 19 of his 24 winners with his forehand.
The Alcaraz vs Medvedev match was a very entertaining one, even though it went only two sets. It had incredible points like this one.
Tennis of the HIGHEST Order ?@carlosalcaraz with utter brilliance!#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/b6amNJsahq
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 17, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz won 75% of points on his first serve and an impressive 71% on his second serve. Danil Medvedev won only 50% of points points on his second serve. The two both served three aces. Alcaraz was able to use his serve as a weapon more though, winning nine service games to Medvedev’s six.
???? Indian Wells 2024 marks the first time that the same 2 players have met in the final of the same ATP Masters 1000 for 2 consecutive years since Federer-Djokovic at Indian Wells in 2014/2015!
2023 IW final –
?? Alcaraz vs Medvedev ??
2024 IW final –
?? Alcaraz vs… pic.twitter.com/dBEe8En54S
— Olly ??? (@Olly_Tennis_) March 17, 2024
The young Spanish phenom will look to seek the “sunshine double” at the Miami Open starting on Friday.