Alcaraz beats Medvedev to retain Indian Wells title

World number two Carlos Alcaraz cruised home in a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 victory over World number four Daniil Medvedev to win a second straight Indian Wells ATP title on Sunday.

20-year-old Alcaraz also defeated Medvedev to win the Indian Wells title in 2023.

He captured his first title since Wimbledon in July 2023 and became the first repeat winner at Indian Wells since Novak Djokovic won three straight titles from 2014 to 2016.

For the Spaniard, 12 days in California, United States, proved just what he needed after a stuttering start to the season, which included a quarter-final exit at the Australian Open and an ankle injury that forced him out of his opening match at Rio de Janeiro in February.

“A lot of doubts for me,” he said of his mindset coming in amidst his longest title drought since he burst through for his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open.

For Alcaraz, however, it wasn’t just about ending the drought, it was about rediscovering his joy in the game.

Alcaraz defeats Sinner to reach Indian Wells final

He added: “It means a lot to me, lifting this trophy, winning this tournament because I overcome a lot of problems in my head, a lot of problems physically.

“Not that I didn’t win a tournament since Wimbledon. For me, it doesn’t matter, It’s about the feelings. It’s about enjoying playing tennis, once I step on the court, putting my game. It’s what only matters.

“That’s why I’m really happy to lift this trophy because I found myself at this tournament.”

As he did in 2023, Alcaraz denied Medvedev’s bid to capture the only one of the ATP’s six hardcourt Masters 1000 titles he has yet to win.

Medvedev, who was hindered by an ankle injury in their 2023 title clash, got off to a hot start in this one, parlaying a service break into a 3-0 first-set lead.

But Alcaraz produced a blazing forehand passing shot to break Medvedev in the fifth game and from there they duelled to the tie-breaker with entertaining rallies spiced by drop shots, volleys and lobs.

The Star