Carlos Alcaraz produced a commanding performance to dismantle Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-1 and extend his unbeaten run at Indian Wells to 15 matches. The defending champion moved within three wins of securing a historic three-peat at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event.
The Spaniard, who dropped just six games in each of his opening two matches, showcased his best tennis of the tournament under the lights in challenging windy conditions. His exceptional athleticism and court coverage frustrated Dimitrov, preventing the Bulgarian from dictating the play.
Dimitrov, who has enjoyed a resurgence in recent months, was aiming to become just the fourth player to secure four or more victories against Alcaraz, joining the ranks of Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner.
A win would have also made him the second player, after Felix Auger-Aliassime, to defeat Alcaraz three consecutive times. However, the 22-year-old Spaniard proved too strong on the night.
With his sights set on an Indian Wells hat-trick, Alcaraz has the opportunity to match legends Roger Federer (2004-06) and Novak Djokovic (2014-16) in achieving this feat.
Should he lift the trophy, he would draw level with Sinner at the top of the ATP Live Race To Turin standings. However, even with the title, his No. 3 ranking in the PIF ATP Rankings remains unchanged, trailing Sinner and Zverev.
Earlier in the day, Britain's Jack Draper pulled off the biggest win of his season by knocking out former champion and World No. 4 Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, to book his place in the Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time.
The 22-year-old Briton secured victory in 79 minutes, advancing to his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final. Draper, currently ranked World No. 14, could break into the Top 10 for the first time if he reaches his second tour-level final of the season, having previously contested the Doha final.
His previous quarter-final appearances at this level came in Montreal in 2022 and Cincinnati in 2024, but he will now aim to go at least one step further in California.
Draper’s next opponent will be Ben Shelton, who made history by becoming the youngest American quarter-finalist at Indian Wells in 21 years. Shelton, at 21 years old, emulated Andy Roddick’s achievement from 2004 after defeating compatriot Brandon Nakashima 7-6(6), 6-1.
Follow us
