AAP Tennis

Alcaraz beats Medvedev to retain Indian Wells title

By AAP Newswire

Mar 18, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz in action at Indian Wells. — Carlos Alcaraz returns on his way to defending his Indian Wells title against Daniil Medvedev. -AP

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his Indian Wells crown with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win over Daniil Medvedev.

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In a rematch of last year's final, Alcaraz started sloppily on Sunday, spraying errors around the court to fall 3-0 down.

But the Spanish sensation raised his level and captured the first set when his Russian opponent's forehand went wide in the tiebreak.

Alcaraz romped through the second set, raising his arms in the air and letting out a roar when Medvedev missed another forehand wide on match point.

Second seed Alcaraz smacked 25 winners to Medvedev's 11 and was especially effective against his opponent's second serves.

"I enjoy playing these kind of matches with you," Alcaraz told Medvedev during the trophy ceremony.

"Hopefully more finals ahead."

It was an eventful stay in the California desert for the 20-year-old Alcaraz.

The two-time major champion was stung on the forehead when a swarm of bees invaded the court on Thursday and kept his No.2 ranking by ending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner's 19-match winning streak in the semis before slaying the big-serving fourth seed Medvedev in the final.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press