At Indian Wells, Alcaraz continues move to be next Djokovic

Was that symbolism or imagination? There on Stadium Court 1 at Indian Wells, Wednesday afternoon in the last rays of the setting sun, Novak Djokovic was taking the court for what may be one of his final times. 

To the dismay of the crowd and maybe all of tennis, Djokovic was defeated 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 by Jack Draper, the 2025 Indian Wells winner.

This, after the man who someday may replace Djokovic as tennis’ all-time champion, Carlos Alcaraz, had walked off the same court a brief time earlier with a victory in his match at the BNP Paribas Open.

Alcaraz, 23, seems destined someday to take over the place Djokovic has long occupied. 

Carlos did nothing to make us believe otherwise, getting past Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-6, Tuesday, no small achievement since Ruud, the Norwegian, was as high as number two in the standings.

Tennis can be a confusing activity, players from the lower levels knock off those on the top, if infrequently. What matters in the game, as in all sports, is consistency.

Djokovic, now 38, certainly displayed that attribute in taking dozens of championships, including a record 24 majors.

Alcaraz has 7 Grand Slams, his last one the Australian Open in February, making him the youngest player in history—the history of tennis is long and awesome—to take each of the 4 Slams.

But for the moment, we will dwell on what’s been happening both this season—Alcaraz is 15-0 since a loss in November at the ATP Finals to Jannek Sinner—and at Indian Wells, where he has won 3 times previously. 

Yes, in his opening match, he dropped the first set to Arthur Rinderknech (who’s he?), but he was still getting adjusted after traveling to Southern California.

Alcaraz, a Spaniard as you well know, goes about his successful business with understandable confidence. He knows what to do and when to do it. Not many athletes his age have reached that stage. 

“I’m really happy about how I played (Tuesday),” said Alcaraz. “Just really happy to know that I did the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the match. So hopefully this kind of level or the same level in the next round.”

Which will start with the quarterfinals on Thursday, facing the Brit, Cameron Norrie, who as Carlos, also has an Indian Wells singles championship. 

“A really difficult one against Cam,” said Alcaraz, contributing a rare negative comment.

“Great battles I have against him. The last one I just lost against him, so I just really want to take the revenge.” 

Alcaraz is not only one of the very best competitors, but apparently a joyful person to be around.  He’s popular with most people in tennis, particularly the opponents he battles. There may be jealousy and bitterness among others, but you’d never know it from the way they talk about Carlos. 

During his media conference following his win over Rudd, Alcarez was asked if reports were true that he drank an espresso before every match.

“No, no”, he insisted. “I used to drink coffee before every match, but not anymore. I would just do other stuff (smiling).” 

Whatever it is, it’s working and should be for a long while.