Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev
Is the sun setting on Carlos Alcaraz’s reign as defending Indian Wells champion? His form in recent months was cause for concern. Alcaraz opened up about his struggles and how his confidence took a hit from a title drought that now enters its eighth month. Because he has set such high standards for himself, the scrutiny is always immense.
Zverev has been a thorn Alcaraz’s game. He has a winning record over the Spaniard and has won their last two meetings quite convincingly. However, the world No. 2 enters Thursday’s clash in high spirits and with newfound confidence. He has steered his season back on track, playing some superb tennis. Now that his wings have grown again, it doesn’t look like Zverev will stop him from flying. The German’s last two defeats have come against players ranked outside the Top 30. Additionally, he looked shaky in his three-set win over an in-form de Minaur. With that said, expect Alcaraz to saunter into the semifinal.
Daniil Medvedev vs Holger Rune
Head-to-head: Medvedev 1-1 Rune
Daniil Medvedev advanced into his 18th Masters 1000 quarterfinal with a hard-fought 6-4 6-4 win over Grigor Dimitrov (one of the standout performers this season). The Bulgarian was not at his free-flowing best, but Medvedev raised his level and shaded the critical points in the match, converting three of six break points.
Holger Rune saved a match point to beat 2022 Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz in three sets on Wednesday night. The Dane continues to impress under the guidance of Patrick Mouratoglou, whom he rehired as coach last month. He is now chasing a second straight semifinal spot at ATP Indian Wells.
This will be the pair’s first meeting on hard courts, having split their two bouts on clay. Going gung-ho against the world No. 4 is unlikely to yield any dividends as he soaks up pressure very well. Rune’s best bet is to try and unsettle Medvedev with a mix of drop shots while making full use of the width of the court. Still, that may not be enough, as Dimitrov learned the hard way. The edge is very much with last year’s finalist.
