Indian Wells: Alcaraz enters quarters, Draper knocks out Fritz

Carlos Alcaraz breezed past Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-1 and extended his Indian Wells winning streak to 15 matches.

- AGENCIES

He also moved within three victories of an Indian Wells three-peat.

The Spaniard, who lost just six games in each of his opening two matches, showcased an impressive display of the tournament in windy evening conditions under the lights on Stadium 1.

Alcaraz's athleticism did not allow Dimitrov to hit through him in an entertaining evening.

After ATP Masters 1000 wins in Shanghai (2023) and Miami (2024), Dimitrov was bidding to become just the fourth man to record four or more victories against Alcaraz (Zverev, Djokovic, Sinner) and to join Felix Auger-Aliassime as the only player to defeat Alcaraz three times in a row, ATP reports.

Alcaraz remains on course for an Indian Wells three-peat. If he can match Roger Federer (2004-06) and Novak Djokovic (2014-16) by achieving that feat, the Spaniard would tie Jannik Sinner in first place in the ATP Live Race To Turin.

In the PIF ATP Rankings, Alcaraz cannot improve upon his No. 3 position this week, behind Sinner and Alexander Zverev, even with the title.