World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is through to the last 16 in Indian Wells. The last year’s semi-finalist defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6, 6-3 in an hour and 41 minutes to remain on the title course, hoping to claim 1000 ATP points and pass Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard played better behind the second serve and defended both break points. Tallon endured the pressure in the opening set, reaching a tie break and dropping serve once in set number two to push a teenager into the fourth round. Griekspoor sprayed almost 30 unforced errors and lost the ground to Alcaraz in the most advanced exchanges to end his run despite a solid effort. The Dutch player held at 15 in the encounter’s first game, and the Spaniard responded with a hold at love in game two for 1-1. Tallon saved two break points in the third game to avoid an early setback, and they both served well in the rest of the set. Carlos held after deuce in game six for 3-3 and grabbed the eighth game at 30 to level the score at 4-4.
Carlos Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets in Indian Wells.
Griekspoor produced a hold at love in game nine, and Alcaraz served to stay in the set in the next one. Carlos held at 15, and they went into a tie break after two more good holds in games 11 and 12. A teenager landed a backhand down the line winner in the opening point for a mini-break before spraying a forehand error at 2-0. Alcaraz grabbed another mini-break in the fifth point and forged a 5-2 advantage with a service winner. Tallon sprayed a forehand error in the ninth point and offered Carlos three set points. The Spaniard converted the second with a forehand winner for 7-4 after 59 minutes.
The start of the second set provided break chances for both players. Carlos broke first in the third game after forcing the rival’s mistake. A teenager defended two break points in the third game and closed it with a cracking forehand crosscourt winner that pushed him 3-0 up. Alcaraz served well in games five and seven to forge a 5-2 lead and move closer to the finish line. Griekspoor saved a match point in the eighth game and brought it home to reduce the deficit. Carlos served for the victory at 5-3 and found himself 30-0 down. The Spaniard claimed the third point with a volley winner at the net and created a match point with a smash winner. Griekspoor sprayed a forehand error to propel Alcaraz into the next round, with the young gun celebrating his 100th ATP victory at 19!
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