Daniil Medvedev had an incredible run in the previous four tournaments, winning 19 out of 20 matches and lifting three titles from four finals. Daniil conquered Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells final, ending his winning streak of 19 encounters.
Alcaraz left Medvedev far behind in a 6-3, 6-2 triumph in 70 minutes
. The young gun dominated the rallies and took advantage of Daniil’s defensive tactic. The Russian stayed far behind the baseline and stood inferior on the return and the baseline rallies.
Carlos reduced him to five winners and controlled the pace from start to finish to lift his third Masters 1000 crown at 19! If they meet again in Miami, Daniil will try to change his tactic and step closer to the baseline if he feels that’s the right way to beat the world’s leading player.
The Spaniard was ready to bring his A-game, knowing it was the only way to beat the Russian and terminate his winning streak. A teenager grabbed an early break and controlled the pace to secure his 28th Masters 1000 victory and write the record books.
Carlos did everything right behind the initial shot, never experiencing issues and mounting the pressure on the other side.
Daniil Medvedev won only five games against Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells.
Daniil stood powerless against such a strong rival, failing to impose his strokes and move the opponent away from his comfort zone.
The Russian lost serve three times from as many chances offered to the Spaniard to settle with the runner-up prize. Carlos held at 30 in the encounter’s first game and fired a backhand crosscourt winner in the second to grab an early break.
Mixing up his strokes beautifully, Alcaraz fired a service winner in game three for a hold at love and 3-0 after nine minutes. Both players served well in the remaining games, and Carlos wrapped up the set with a service winner in game nine for 6-3 after 35 minutes.
With nothing working his way, Daniil got broken at love at the start of the second set after a double fault. Alcaraz confirmed the advantage with a hold at love in game two and took a massive step toward the finish line with cracking backhands in game three that pushed him 3-0 up.
In the fourth game, the Spaniard forced the rival’s mistake to extend the lead, sailing toward the trophy after swift 53 minutes! Medvedev avoided a disaster with fine holds in games five and seven before Alcaraz served for the victory at 5-2.
Daniil saved a match point and reached the first deuce on the return. However, Carlos seized the second match point to celebrate the title and another incredible success at 19. “If Carlos and I meet again in Miami, I will probably step in a bit and avoid playing from the back of the court.
I’m unsure about my tactic yet, but if he beats me in two consecutive matches while I’m standing back, it will be a clear sign for me to seek changes. It’s still too early to tell, and one match is not enough to conclude,” Daniil Medvedev said.
