Carlos Alcaraz cannot afford to underestimate Quentin Halys, who will be his first opponent at the ‘BNP Paribas Open’ in Indian Wells. Although the Spanish ace has won the last two editions of this tournament and is the top favorite again this year – especially after the premature elimination of Alexander Zverev – the surface has changed and Carlitos may have some difficulties in his first match in California.
The current world number 3 has practiced well in recent days and feels ready to play a big tournament, having not noticed many differences despite the organizers’ decision to change the courts after 25 years.
The 4-time Grand Slam champion has won just one title in 2025 so far – the Rotterdam ATP 500 – before his untimely elimination in the quarterfinals at the Doha ATP 500 (against Czech ace Jiri Lehecka).
Alcaraz will face Halys
On the other side of the net will be Halys, who is playing really excellent tennis and reached the semifinals in Dubai.
On his debut in the first Masters 1000 of the season, the French player defeated the Spanish veteran Pablo Carreno Busta quite clearly.
“Carlos has a forehand that really hurts, he is able to shoot winners from every area of the court” – confessed Halys before his match against the former world number 1.
“I will have to be very good from a tactical point of view and avoid exposing myself to his solutions, not giving him time to dominate the rallies. Alcaraz knows how to do everything, but perhaps he makes a few more mistakes with the backhand.
If I can attack him and put pressure on that side, then I can have a chance of winning the match.
I will have to be smart and aggressive, it will be up to me to take the initiative, otherwise it will be very hard,” added the Frenchman.
The 21-year-old from Murcia can become the third player in the Open Era to lift this trophy three times in a row, joining Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Carlitos loves the atmosphere in Indian Wells, where he can also play golf with his team members.
Tennis World USA