Indian Wells: Alcaraz Beats Auger-Aliassime, Closes In On World No 1 Return

Carlos Alcaraz has moved within two wins of regaining the world number one ranking following his success in the quarter-finals at the BNP Paribas Open.

The Spaniard beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-4 to record his first victory over the Canadian in four meetings.

Alcaraz had a better start to the match, troubling Auger-Aliassime on his serve and staying calm under pressure to seal the first set.

The Canadian responded with greater variety in the second set to emerge victorious, but Alcaraz showed returning masterclass, hitting a drop shot volley to break point which he converted to make it 5-4 before serving out the win.

"Today, the goal was to stay there," Alcaraz said in reference to his semi-final defeat to Auger-Aliassime in Basel last October.

"I knew that I was going to have my chances. [I had to] try to take it. 

"Probably I played one of my best matches this season, in 2023. 

"I'm really happy and [want to] keep going.

"This is the first time I broke his serve and I'm really proud of that.

"I tried to attack the second serve, tried to dominate the points, tried to play from the baseline and tried to be aggressive, taking the opportunity when he is serving the second serve."

The 19-year-old will next play 11th seed Jannik Sinner who is through to his second Masters semi-final after a 6-4 4-6 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz to end the American's title defence.

"I'm really happy to play against him again. Great battles," said Alcaraz, who has not lost a set at Indian Wells.

"I enjoy the matches against him. I would say it's going to be a really good match, for the fans as well, to watch that match. 

"And for myself as well. I will try to show my best, to show my 100 per cent. 

"Jannik is playing great. I'm going to enjoy that match."