Carlos Alcaraz’s pursuit of a uncommon Indian Wells “three-peat” might face a significant hurdle in a quarterfinal showdown with Novak Djokovic, in keeping with Monday’s draw.
The 20-year-old Spaniard, aiming to turn out to be the primary man to win three consecutive titles at this prestigious 1,000-level occasion, might meet Djokovic, who beat him on the Australian Open semifinals in January.
Djokovic, eyeing his a hundredth profession singles title, begins his event with a first-round bye and will face both a qualifier or Australian Nick Kyrgios.
The Serbian, who has not performed since a January harm in Melbourne, is hoping his health points are behind him as he units out to win the title for the primary time in practically a decade.
The males’s draw additionally options a number of potential blockbuster matchups, together with high seed Alexander Zverev dealing with Greek rival Stefanos Tsitsipas in a quarterfinal conflict.
Meanwhile, 2022 champion Taylor Fritz might meet Russian Andrey Rublev in one other thrilling quarterfinal.
Djokovic may also profit from the return of previous rival Andy Murray, who has rejoined his teaching workforce forward of the event.
Murray, who retired final yr after the Paris Olympics, had a shock teaching stint with Djokovic on the Australian Open.
Although Djokovic was compelled to retire in his semifinal match in opposition to Alexander Zverev, the collaboration confirmed promise. Murray’s workforce confirmed he flew to California on Monday to proceed his function.
This marks the primary time since 2019 that Djokovic will compete at each Indian Wells and Miami, aiming for a profitable “Sunshine Double” after lacking it in recent times.
Djokovic and Roger Federer each share the report for 5 Indian Wells titles, however Djokovic has not received the celebrated occasion since 2016.
He additionally has six Miami titles, a report tied with Andre Agassi.
On the ladies’s aspect, defending champion Iga Swiatek faces a tricky problem. The second seed from Poland might meet seventh seed Zheng Qinwen within the quarterfinals, months after the Chinese star eradicated her from the Tokyo Olympics semifinals.
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, contemporary off early exits in Doha and Dubai final month, hopes to rebound. Her path to the semifinals might run by way of Italian Jasmine Paolini.
In one other thrilling subplot, American stars Coco Gauff and newly topped Australian Open champion Madison Keys might meet in a high-stakes quarterfinal.
Both are keen to finish a 24-year drought for American ladies’s titles at Indian Wells since Serena Williams’ final win.
Source: www.dailysabah.com