Indian Wells: Carlos Alcaraz advances to quarter-finals after Jack Draper waived

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraznumber two in the world, reached the quarter-finals on Tuesday Indian Wellsthe first Masters 1000 of the season, after the departure of his rival, the Briton Jack Draperwhen he already clearly won the first set (6-2) and dominated the second.

Alcaraz has taken another step towards winning the title and returning to world number one, though he will now have to pass his first major exam in the California tournament as he faces the Canadian. Felix Auger-Aliassimethe eighth favorite and having defeated him in the last two matches.

This was stated by the Spaniard after the fight on Tuesday in Indian Wells.

To be honest, there are nerves, but you have to deal with them, and I would say that in this match I handled them very well. It’s my goal to show that I’m relaxed, to play relaxed. I also train by playing tennis and relaxing. If I lose, I lose, but I want to feel relaxed on the court.

number two in the world last year’s semi-finalist against Rafa Nadal at this Masters 1000he was ready for the demand that southpaw Draper try to submit to him, but he was very physically fit to meet after his previous round against Andy Murray.

Despite this, the El Palmar player came out very focused on the court and his shots did a lot of damage to the Brit who took the trade and who, despite losing on the first serve, enjoyed a great 0-40 score on the next. that the Spaniard did not allow him to take advantage.

Carlos is going through 🧨#Tennis Heaven | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/1EMDjouNXx

— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2023

Alcaraz maintained his level and achieved a new break against Draper, who mostly found it difficult to serve with more power and could not avoid a clear set loss (6-2). Despite receiving medical attention to try and alleviate the discomfort, andThe British decided to leave having lost in the second already at the start and having won only one point.

Draper pulls out due to injury.

Alcaraz advances to the quarter-finals 6-2, 2-0 comeback.#Tennis Heaven pic.twitter.com/DyWF2nDISe

— BNP Paribas Opening (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 15, 2023

Finally, the Spaniards confirmed.

I felt the ball very well and am very happy with this part of my tennis. I would say that I came back well and took some big shots. I ended the match with confidence in my shots so that I could go into the next round with more confidence.