Carlos Alcaraz showcased remarkable resilience and determination as he fought back from a set and a break deficit to secure a hard-fought victory over Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday. The world number one, who has been unstoppable this season, triumphed with a scoreline of 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-2, extending his unbeaten streak in 2026. This encounter tested Alcaraz’s mental and physical endurance, as the powerful serving and aggressive style of the Frenchman pushed the young Spaniard to summon every ounce of his skill and composure.
Rinderknech, known for his booming serves and assertive baseline play, started the match strongly, putting Alcaraz under pressure from the outset. The first set was a tense affair, culminating in a tightly contested tiebreak where Alcaraz nearly snatched victory after trailing 2-5. However, a crucial forehand error on set point allowed Rinderknech to seize the opportunity and close out the set with a pair of winners. This early setback could have rattled many players, but Alcaraz remained focused and determined to turn the match around.
In the second set, Rinderknech capitalized on his momentum by breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the opening game, placing the top seed in a precarious position. Yet, Alcaraz responded immediately with a break of his own, intensifying the pressure on the Frenchman’s service games. His persistence paid off when he secured a decisive break in the sixth game, swinging the momentum firmly in his favor. The Spaniard’s confidence grew as he opened the third set with another break, paving the way for a commanding finish. Ultimately, Alcaraz sealed the victory, marking his sixth consecutive win against Rinderknech in their head-to-head encounters.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz admitted feeling frustrated with missed opportunities in the opening set, including break points and a set point. Nevertheless, he praised his mental toughness for allowing him to stay composed and fight back under pressure. This victory not only adds to his impressive 14-0 start to the season but also highlights his ability to adapt and persevere through challenging moments on court.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to face 13th-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud in the round of 16. Ruud advanced by overcoming Valentin Vacherot in three sets, demonstrating his own resilience. This upcoming clash promises to be a compelling battle between two of the sport’s brightest young stars, both eager to make a deep run at one of the ATP Tour’s most prestigious events.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic also secured a spot in the fourth round after a grueling three-set match against American Aleksandar Kovacevic. Djokovic, a five-time Indian Wells champion, edged out Kovacevic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 despite facing a barrage of 16 aces from the 72nd-ranked player. The Serb took an early lead by breaking serve in the first set, but Kovacevic fought back fiercely to dominate the second set. The decisive third set remained tightly contested until Djokovic clinched the crucial break in the final game, showcasing his trademark resilience and experience under pressure.
Djokovic’s victory marks his return to the Indian Wells fourth round for the first time since 2017. He will next face defending champion Jack Draper, who defeated Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets. Draper’s triumph last year at Indian Wells catapulted him into the top tier of men’s tennis, reaching a career-high ranking of fourth in the world. However, an arm injury sidelined him for much of the past season, and he currently sits 14th in the rankings. His recent win signals a promising comeback as he aims to defend his title and regain his top form.
The tournament also witnessed surprising early exits for several top-10 players. Britain’s Cameron Norrie eliminated sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets, while American Alex Michelsen stunned seventh-seeded compatriot Taylor Fritz. Additionally, Australian qualifier Rinki Hijikata caused a major upset by defeating tenth-seeded Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in a thrilling three-set match. These results underline the unpredictable nature of the Indian Wells Masters and the depth of talent competing on the ATP Tour this season.
