INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Carlos Alcaraz will begin his title defense at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, facing Grigor Dimitrov in the second round. The match comes after Dimitrov secured his place in the next round with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Terence Atmane on Thursday, avenging a recent loss to the Frenchman in Acapulco. Alcaraz, the world No. 1, enters the tournament on a 12-match winning streak, having claimed titles in Doha and the Australian Open earlier this year.
The 20-year-old Spaniard is widely considered a leading figure in the future of Spanish tennis, and his performances both on and off the court are closely followed. Alcaraz recently praised the emerging talent of Rafa Jódar, a compatriot with whom he trained during the Australian Open, highlighting Jódar’s fearless style of play.
“I really like his way of playing. Without fear, with swagger. He doesn’t respect anyone on the court, and off the court he is very pleasant, he respects everyone,” Alcaraz said, according to reports. “But once he steps onto the court, he believes in himself and has the possibility of winning against anyone.”
Alcaraz attributed his strong start to 2026 to improved emotional control during matches. “I feel I control my emotions even better on the court. I would say that has been the key to the good level I have been showing lately. Since on the court I control myself and, from calm, I find solutions,” he explained. This composure was evident in his recent victory in Doha, where he navigated challenging moments to secure the title.
“When I got angry or was playing badly, I found a way back because I was calm,” Alcaraz stated, noting his impressive record of 20 wins and three losses at the Masters 1000 event, which he previously won in 2023 and 2024.
The young Spaniard expressed pride in his early-season form, stating, “I am very proud of my start to the year. Hopefully the streak continues, or at least I will try, but I am happy to see myself playing great tennis.”
Beyond his on-court performance, Alcaraz also addressed the recent conflict in the Middle East and its impact on fellow players. He expressed concern for those, including Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Tallon Griekspoor, who were affected by the situation and found themselves unable to continue playing in Dubai.
“It was surprising because we were talking about a few days or a week before and we were all playing there. Suddenly, all this happens. And seeing some players trapped there, unable to play, was worrying, at least for me,” Alcaraz said.
Looking ahead in the tournament, a potential semifinal matchup against Novak Djokovic looms. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open, but acknowledges the Serbian’s dominance at Indian Wells, where he holds a record of 41 consecutive victories.
“I know that Novak has the record with 41. You don’t realize how difficult This proves until you chase it,” Alcaraz reflected. “When you have 12 wins, it’s like winning four or five more tournaments, the biggest in the world. That’s when you understand how impressive it is.”
Alcaraz arrived in Indian Wells almost a week before his first match to acclimatize to the conditions. “It’s been going very well, honestly. I feel a little different than in other years, but I’ve had a couple of good practices. I’ve approach back and I’m ready, so everything is going well and I’m looking forward to starting,” he said.
Dimitrov, currently ranked 42nd, ended a four-match losing streak with his victory over Atmane, his first win since defeating Pablo Carreno Busta at the Brisbane International in January. The former world No. 3 has openly stated his intention to “rattle” Alcaraz in their upcoming match, seeking to disrupt the Spaniard’s rhythm and confidence.
The match between Alcaraz and Dimitrov is scheduled for Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Fans can follow live coverage on the ATP Tour website and various sports broadcasters. The tournament is being held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, a sprawling complex that hosts one of the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour calendar. The local time for the match will be announced closer to the event, with updates available on the official tournament website.
Alcaraz’s ability to maintain his composure and tactical flexibility will be key against a veteran like Dimitrov, who is known for his unpredictable style of play. The match promises to be a compelling contest between youth and experience, and a significant test for Alcaraz as he continues his pursuit of further success in 2026.
Related reading
