Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a commanding start to his Indian Wells campaign on Saturday, defeating France’s Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round, MySportDab Reports.
The Spanish star, aiming to become the third player in history to win three consecutive Indian Wells ATP Masters titles—joining Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer—delivered a dominant performance.
Despite some early nerves, Alcaraz quickly settled into his rhythm, securing an early break to claim the first set.
The four-time Grand Slam winner stepped up his intensity in the second set, racing to a 4-0 lead behind a strong service game. He fired seven aces and saved the only break point he faced, sealing victory in just 67 minutes.
Since his Australian Open quarter-final exit, Alcaraz has been in fine form, clinching the Rotterdam Open title—the first indoor trophy of his career.
Now ranked No. 3 in the world, he is the highest-ranked player left in the draw following top-seed Jannik Sinner’s doping suspension and Alexander Zverev’s early exit.
In the third round, Alcaraz will face Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, who eased past Australia’s Adam Walton 6-3, 6-2, in what promises to be an exciting contest.
