Carlos Alcaraz has reclaimed the world No.1 ranking after defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 in the ATP Masters 1000 final at Indian Wells.
After withdrawing from January’s Australia Open with injury, the win sends an ominous warning to the rest of the tour, more specifically Novak Djokovic, who remains unable to play tennis in the United States because of his vaccination status.
The victory for Alcaraz also ends Medvedev’s 19-match winning streak which spanned over three tournaments.
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Speaking post-match, Medvedev declared his disdain for the conditions.
“I have a pretty toxic relationship with the courts here. A lot of love, hate moments,” he said.
“So, I would like to thank this court … I was giving it a hard time so it gave me a hard time also – rolled ankle, the thumb. But it gave me the chance to finish this tournament so thanks a lot to this court.”
The largely one-sided affair was over in just over an hour as Alcaraz dominated – putting away the championship without dropping a set.
The pair’s head-to-head record is now locked on one win a piece.
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