World no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz liked how he performed against Denis Shapovalov in Indian Wells. The two-time defending champion in the desert ousted the Canadian 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 23 minutes to extend his winning streak at this event to 14.
Alcaraz admitted he had to keep his composure from start to finish against an in-form rival. The Spaniard was ready for a tough battle, and he felt well after sealing the deal in straight sets. As always, Carlos is seeking minor improvements, but he felt good about his performance on Stadium 1.
Carlos Alcaraz hits a 113 mph forehand against Shapovalov at Indian Wells
Oh my…
🤯
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 11, 2025
The Spaniard beat the Canadian for the second time in as many encounters after collecting 12 points more than his rival. Denis barely landed in 50% of the first serve. He plagued his game with eight double faults and lost the ground behind the second serve.
Alcaraz stole 44% of the return points and turned them into four breaks from eight opportunities. The younger player erased three of four break points and kept the pressure on the other side. Despite hitting 16 winners and 24 unforced errors, the Spaniard had the edge fro the baseline and at the net.
Denis Shapovalov & Carlos Alcaraz, India Wells 2025© Stream screenshot
Shapovalov collected 27 mistakes and struggled to match the rival’s pace outside the shortest exchanges. Alcaraz took charge in the mid-range and most advanced ones to bring the win home without issues. Making a good start is always helpful, and Carlos followed that pattern.
He erased the rival’s game points in the first game of the duel and fired a forehand down the line winner on a break chance. World no. 3 made another push on the return at 2-0 and generated four break points. He drew Denis’ error on the last, earning a break and extending the gap.
Alcaraz faced issues on serve at 3-0. He saved two break points and opened a 4-0 lead. Not stopping there, the Spaniard landed a forehand crosscourt winner in game five for his third straight break and a massive advantage.
Denis Shapovalov, Indian Wells 2025© Stream screenshot
The defending champion had a massive chance to produce a bagel after earning two set points on serve at 5-0. He squandered them and missed a volley at the net on a break point to keep his rival in contention. Shapovalov held in game seven and reduced the gap to 5-2.
Carlos served for the set in game eight. He closed it with a crafty volley winner, bringing the first part of the duel home in 42 minutes and gaining confidence. The Canadian raised his level in the second set and followed the Spaniard’s pace in the first six games.
World no. 3 stepped in on the return at 3-3. He drew the rival’s mistake for a crucial break and a 4-3 lead. Alcaraz cemented it with an unreturned serve in game eight, moving 5-3 up and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Carlos Alcaraz, Indian Wells 2025© Stream screenshot
Denis held at love in game nine to prolong the battle and his chances. However, it was all over when Carlos held at love at 5-4, forcing Denis’ mistake and moving over the top in style.
“I knew I had to keep my composure and make a strong start. I expected a tough battle, and I’m happy to seal the deal in straight sets. Denis is a great player who has been producing high-quality tennis recently.
He made a strong start to the season, which makes me even more delighted with the win and my performance. I can still make minor improvements, but I’m satisfied with how I played,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
Tennis World USA