Carlos Alcaraz claims 'crazy' Indian Wells triumph with victory over Daniil Medvedev, returns to world No. 1
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Updated 20/03/2023 at 09:10 GMT
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz continues to make history. The 19-year-old romped to a hugely impressive victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final at Indian Wells on Sunday and became the first men's champion at the prestigious event to clinch the title without conceding a solitary set since the great Roger Federer achieved that feat back in 2017. Alcaraz will next try to win the Miami Open.
Highlights: Alcaraz beats Medvedev to claim Indian Wells title and return to world No. 1
Carlos Alcaraz was left to bask in his "crazy" and "amazing" Indian Wells triumph after a stunning victory over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday as he returned to world No. 1.
The Spaniard stormed past the previously in-form Medvedev in electrifying fashion to clinch a straight-sets win, 6-3 6-2, and seal the title in California while he usurped Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic at the summit of the men's game once more.
Alcaraz, who did not lose a set in six Indian Wells matches, has made a dominant return to the ATP Tour after he was forced to miss the opening Grand Slam of the season at Melbourne Park due to injury. He now surely looks set to make a convincing run at Roland-Garros.
The 19-year-old never allowed Medvedev, who had been playing extremely effectively at the event often referred to as the 'fifth major', to settle in the match and always seemed to have the edge as he conceded just five games in the entire match - which lasted just one hour and 10 minutes - en route to a resounding victory.
Alcaraz struck an inspired 18 winners while his opponent could only muster five against his sterling defence. The triumph has seen him emulate his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal, in being the only two men's players to have racked up three Masters 1000 crowns as a teenager.
"It means a lot to me," Alcaraz said after the match. "To recover the No. 1 [ranking] is crazy for me.
"Especially to lift the trophy here, for me, means a lot... I love this tournament. I really enjoy my time here, and of course, I felt the love from the people from day one. For me, it's amazing to complete these 10 days like this.
"It feels amazing to lift the trophy here. I would say this has been the perfect tournament. It was good for me, [at] this tournament that I really wanted to win, and for me, it's amazing.
"Of course, winning a tournament, it gives you a lot of confidence," he continued, looking ahead to the next instalment of the 'Sunshine Swing' at the Miami Open.
"I'm playing great. Of course, today, the conditions today were pretty tough. Of course, Daniil didn't play at his best, obviously.
"All I can say is, I'm really happy with my performance, the way that I [was] playing at this tournament. I'm looking forward to playing this level in Miami as well."
Medvedev was left to joke with the crowd about his "toxic relationship" with the courts at Indian Wells given he has repeatedly commented on them in disparaging terms over the course of the tournament.
"I had a pretty toxic relationship here with the courts, a love-hate relationship," Medvedev said with a big smile. "So I'd like to thank the court!
"I only played on this court. I gave it a hard time so it gave me a hard time also. Rolled the ankle, the thumb... but it gave me the chance to finish the tournament. Thanks a lot to this court, I'll definitely be back.
"I really love this tournament, I'll be happy to come back many more years to come and hopefully I can start to love this court and Indian Wells together.
"Sorry I didn't make this final entertaining. I tried, I don't like to lose, but today was unfortunately pretty easy. I hope you still enjoyed it."
For Medvedev, this crushing defeat has brought an abrupt end to his 19-match and three-tournament winning streak; for Alcaraz, this could be just another step in finding his very top level ahead of the French Open - certainly an alarming prospect for his rivals.
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