Alcaraz breaks 3-game losing streak against Auger-Aliassime
Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime for the first time in his career to advance to the semifinals at Indian Wells.
Carlos Alcaraz is the top-ranked men’s tennis player, but until Thursday, he’d never defeated Feliz Auger-Aliassime. In their previous three meetings, Auger-Aliassime came away with the victory every time. Alcaraz broke that streak on Thursday, beating him 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.
“It’s wonderful to beat Felix finally, and the way I did it, playing at a great level,” said Alcaraz.
It is really worth it to watch the highlights, as both Alcaraz and Auger-Aliassime gave an impressive showing of athleticism, strength, and shotmaking. The Spaniard saved the first break point to serve the opening set, but Auger-Aliassime broke to level the second set at 1-1. After matching Alcaraz hit by hit for the majority of the set, Alcaraz converted his third break before serving the win. It was Alcaraz’s first victory against a Top 10 opponent since beating Casper Rudd in the US Open final.
“This is the first time I broke his serve and I’m really proud of that,” said Alcaraz. “I tried to attack the second serve, tried to dominate the points, tried to play from the baseline and tried to be aggressive, taking the opportunity when he is serving the second serve.”
Alcaraz to face Sinner in semifinals
In an exciting rematch of last year’s US Open, Alcaraz advances to the semifinals to face Jannik Sinner. Sinner made it to this stage after beating defending champion Taylor Fritz 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
At the US Open last year, Sinner lost to Alcaraz in a gruelling five-hour, 15-minute set that didn’t finish until nearly 3 in the morning. Alcaraz’s victory made him the youngest No. 1 in the history of the ATP rankings.
“I’m really happy to play against him again. Great battles,” Alcaraz said. “I enjoy the matches against him. I would say it’s going to be a really good match, for the fans as well, to watch that match. And for myself as well. I will try to show my best, to show 100 per cent. Jannik is playing great. I’m going to enjoy that match.”