Alcaraz closes in on hat-trick of Indian Wells titles

(Dan Tri) - Carlos Alcaraz had difficulty facing the challenge of Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, but the defending champion still won after two sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4) to enter the semi-finals.

In the quarter-final match on the morning of March 14 at Indian Wells 2025, Carlos Alcaraz faced a big challenge when Francisco Cerundolo took a break in the second set. In cool and windy weather conditions, the Argentine took advantage of the ninth break-point opportunity to lead 4-1, ready to push the match into a deciding set.

However, like a boxer, Alcaraz unleashed a powerful punch as he leaned back into defeat. The second seed showed his mettle as he quickly leveled the score at 4-4 and won the tie-break 7-4, closing out the match with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory. With this result, Alcaraz's goal of winning three consecutive titles is still on track.

Alcaraz played at a lower level than in the match in round 4 (Photo: Getty).

"Today was about surviving. I tried to keep the rhythm, the pace of the match and take advantage of the opportunities he gave me. I'm proud of everything I did today," Alcaraz said after the match. The Spaniard is on a 16-match winning streak at Indian Wells and will face Jack Draper in his ninth ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

At 21, Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest player to win three consecutive singles titles on the ATP Tour, following in the footsteps of legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

During the match, Alcaraz saved 8 out of 9 break-points, especially in the first set, he successfully saved all 6 break-points and successfully converted two out of three break-serve opportunities against Cerundolo.

Alcaraz is aiming for a third consecutive title in Indian Wells (Photo: Getty).

"Tennis is about winning, no matter how you do it. Matches like this, you have to fight with the form you have on the day. You can't think about playing tennis at a high level every match, every day. Matches like this, you have to go through with the level you have on the day. It's about good behaviour, mental strength, just always having that, trying to get a good rhythm. For example, I didn't hit the ball as coherently as yesterday, but I did what I had to do, that's what tennis is about," Alcaraz stressed.

By reaching the semi-finals, Alcaraz moved 165 points closer to Alexander Zverev for second place in the ATP Live Race To Turin. He could overtake Zverev by reaching the final, but cannot move ahead of his rival in the ATP rankings this week, even if he successfully defends his title.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/alcaraz-tien-gan-toi-hat-trick-danh-hieu-vo-dich-indian-wells-20250314115705297.htm