Carlos Alcaraz Bids To Return To The Top At Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz, the current world no. 2, is back in action at the BNP Paribas Open after a 2-week break from the tour due to his hamstring injury from Rio. Alcaraz is bidding to win his 3rd masters 1000 title and return to the top of the ATP Pepperstone ranking. 

The young Spaniard stormed past Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets 6-3,6-3, taking just an hour and 16 minutes to advance to the third round where he will face Tallon Griekspoor, the no. 31 seed from the Netherlands who beat Guido Pella in a 2-sets tie-break 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-4).

Image credit: Kathryn Riley /BNP Paribas Open.

The former world no. 1 is one the favourites to win the title, especially with big guys like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal out of the picture. However, it will not be easy as there are players like Daniil Medvedev who is currently on a 15 wins streak and the defending champion Taylor Fritz who had a pretty good start of the season and is looking strong to defend the title. 

I hope that Carlos Alcaraz can make it to the end this time as he narrowly missed out on the finals after losing to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals last year. If Alcaraz does lift this title he will return to the top of the rankings, putting a halt on the record no. of weeks Djokovic spent as the world No. 1.