Carlos Alcaraz kicks off his Indian Wells campaign on Saturday against Grigor Dimitrov, aiming for a third title in California.
The Bulgarian comes into this one after defeating Terence Atmane in three sets. The latter, who is yet to win a title on the ATP Tour, put up a good fight, but Dimitrov’s superior experience ultimately saw him through against the world No. 52 in the first round, as he triumphed 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
However, the test he faces next will be completely different. Alcaraz is unbeaten in 2026 and will be looking to build on his Australian Open success and his triumph in Doha against the wily veteran; the seven-time Major champion comes in as an overwhelming favourite at -3300. At just 22, Alcaraz has completed the career Grand Slam, won 26 total titles, and genuinely has the potential to go down as the greatest player of all time when he hangs up his racquet.
Jack Draper knocked him out in the semi-finals at Indian Wells last year, ending any hopes of him winning a third consecutive title, even though Alcaraz took the second set 6-0. He will be confident that 2026 will be the year he becomes the joint-most successful Spanish player at this event alongside Rafael Nadal, who won it in 2007, 2009, and 2013.
Dimitrov has one Masters 1000 title to his name; he won the 2017 Cincinnati Open the same year as his biggest career achievement at the ATP Finals, but now he’s nearing the end of his playing days, ranked 42nd in the world. He enters this one as a +2200 underdog.
The safe bet is on 2023 & 2024 champion Alcaraz, but for those seeking a bigger return or who think it won’t be completely plain sailing, the Spaniard winning in three sets is priced at +550.
Dimitrov won two sets against eventual champion Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon last year before retiring, but admittedly, it’s difficult to look past a comfortable straight-sets win for the formidable Alcaraz.
If things go as expected, Alcaraz could face 2025 Shanghai Masters finalist Arthur Rinderknech in the third round.
Elsewhere in the draw, Jannik Sinner, who is on the hunt for his first title this year, stormed through into the third round with a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 victory against Dalibor Svrcina, while Alexander Zverev defeated Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4.
Fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti was knocked out by Marton Fucsovics in his first game back since the agonising defeat in the quarter-final of the Australian Open, where he was forced to retire against Novak Djokovic after being two sets in front.
Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton won their all-American battles, overcoming Jenson Brooksby and Reilly Opelka, respectively.
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