Unstoppable Alcaraz moves to 13-0 in 2026 with clinical Dimitrov victory
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday night and will face No 26 seed Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Carlos Alcaraz, Indian Wells 2026 | © Charles Baus/Cal Sport Media/Sipa
Carlos Alcaraz delivered an emphatic performance to secure his place in the round of 32 at the Indian Wells Masters 1000. The Spanish top seed required just 67 minutes to overcome world No 42 Grigor Dimitrov (6-2, 6-3) on Saturday.
Because the wind was difficult, Alcaraz focused on maintaining control of his groundstrokes. He eventually finished the contest with a comfortable straight-sets victory under the lights. His 13th this season, for no loss. The win sets up a third-round encounter against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.
Top seed adapts to desert conditions against Grigor Dimitrov
The world No 1 admitted that the elements played a significant role in his strategy. “It was complicated because of the wind and Grigor’s style of play,” Alcaraz explained on court. He noted that Dimitrov’s slice slides significantly across the surface.
Alcaraz remained focused and as confident as possible on his specific goals despite the difficult weather. “I think my game has adapted a little bit better than his. My game was much better than him playing well, not making so many mistakes. That, I think, help a lot today, which I’m really, really happy just that I was able to do every goal that I set up before the match. So just happy to get it in straight sets.”
Carlitos also expressed deep gratitude for the support from the crowd in what he calls “Tennis Paradise.”
The defining statistic of the match was Alcaraz’s efficiency on return. He converted three of his four break point opportunities to keep constant pressure. Meanwhile, his own serve remained largely untroubled throughout the two sets. He had to save only one break point during the second set to maintain his lead.
