By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday March 13, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz battled past Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor to reach the round of 16, while Jack Draper ended the run of Andy Murray.
Photo Source: Getty
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday March 13, 2023
At times, when you watch him patrol his baseline on some of the biggest showcourts in the world, it’s hard to believe that Carlos Alcaraz is still a teenager. The swagger, the level, the ease with which he handles the spotlight. Everything about him screams seasoned veteran.
So does his record.
Alcaraz became the second-fastest player to reach 100 wins in ATP history on Monday night in Indian Wells, pushing past Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, 7-6(4), 6-3. The 19-year-old was pushed by a very strong opponent, but always he remained in control of the match, and he pulled away from the Dutchman in the second set to ease into the round of 16 at Indian Wells for the second straight year.
After the match, just before midnight in Indian Wells, Alcaraz spoke to a small group of reporters about his latest milestone.
“A lot has happened since that first ATP win,” Alcaraz said. I'm really proud of myself to have my 100th win on the tour, in like 132 matches – I'm really proud of myself about that.”
It’s the latest mind-blowing achievement for Alcaraz, who became the youngest Grand Slam champion since Rafael Nadal in 2005 when he won the US Open last year. He’s also the youngest No.1 in ATP history, and the youngest year-end No.1 in No.1 history.
What will he impress us with next?
‘ Alcaraz will take on Great Britain’s Jack Draper in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening at Indian Wells. The 21-year-old Brit defeated Andy Murray, 7-6(6), 6-2 on Monday on Stadium 2, braving the swirling wind to defeat one of his childhood idols.
"I've looked up to Andy since I was so young," Draper said after his win. "I watched him win Wimbledon for the first time in 2013 and then I've had the opportunity to get to know him and practice with him often since 2019. He's a really special person, a great champion and a great human being and it was a privilege to play against him on this court."
Alcaraz defeated Draper in three sets in their only previous meeting, last year at Basel.
“I know he's really good player,” Alcaraz said of the hard-hitting World No.56. “He's playing well. He has beaten great opponents like [Dan] Evans and Andy. I know that I'm gonna have to play my best, give my 100 percent on court. I played against him in Basel 7-5 in the third, I think. Yeah, it's gonna be a really tough match and I gonna enjoy.”
Draper is into the round of 16 at a Masters 1000 event for the second time. He reached the quarterfinals at Montreal last year. Alcaraz has won 21 of his last 26 Masters 1000 titles, and logged titles at Miami and Madrid last year.