ATP Indian Wells: Carlos Alcaraz sovereign, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka continue
With Carlos Alcaraz, the top seeded player won his opening game at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Older stars Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka also made it to the last 32.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Mar 12, 2023, 08:11 am
Carlos Alcaraz made a strong start to the tournament at the combined event in Indian Wells: after a bye in round one, the top seeded Spaniard was able to win 6: 3, 6: 3 against Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. The next task for the top seeded 19-year-old is the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, who got rid of the Argentinian Guido Pella with two tie-breaks 7: 6 (3), 7: 6 (4).
But the veterans also had a good run on Saturday (local time) in the US state of California. Endurance fighter Andy Murray won against Moldovan Radu Albot 6:4, 6:3 and is now allowed to play against compatriot Jack Draper. He had prevailed in a British duel against tournament number 24 Daniel Evans 6: 4, 6: 2.
Local hero Fritz wins US duel
The second successful old star was the Swiss Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss, who also sacrificed himself at all times and used a protected ranking to participate in the highly endowed Masters tournament, defeated the 26th seeded Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 7: 6 (8), 6: 4 and saved five set balls in the tie-break of the first round his counterpart. However, the next hurdle will be even more difficult for "Stan the man" to overcome, as the young Dane Holger Rune is waiting for a generational duel with the three-time Grand Slam champion.
The home crowd was also able to celebrate: In addition to Tommy Paul, who dispatched the German Jan-Lennard Struff in two sets, the fourth-ranked defending champion Taylor Fritz is also in the round of 32. In the US duel against young hope Ben Shelton it was enough for the 25- year-old Californian for a hard-earned 4:6,-6:4-6:3 win. Next stop: Sebastian Baez from Argentina.
The single tableau from Indian Wells.
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