ATP Indian Wells: Djokovic Wins Twice in One Day, Alcaraz Narrowly Advances

Beijing time March 10, the 2026 ATP 1000 Indian Wells Masters continued with the men's singles third round matches. The tournament's five-time champion Novak Djokovic faced the challenge of local player Kovacevic, and after a fierce three-set battle, he passed smoothly with a score of 6-4/1-6/6-4. This marks his first advancement to the round of sixteen at this event since 2017. Additionally, Djokovic partnered with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the men's doubles, where they easily defeated the third-seeded pair Arevalo/Pavic 6-3/6-2 in the first round. In the second round, they will face the brother duo Vasero/Lindeknech. Next, Djokovic will compete for a spot in the men's singles quarter-finals against defending champion Draper, who defeated the 19th seed F. Cerundolo 6-1/7-5, extending his winning streak at this tournament to eight matches and continuing his title defense journey.

Novak Djokovic

The top seed Carlos Alcaraz faced Lindeknech, the runner-up of last year's Shanghai Rolex Masters, in this round. Prior to this, the world number one had already secured five consecutive wins against him. In today's match, the first set went to a tie-break after intense competition. Alcaraz, trailing 2-5, won four consecutive points to first secure a set point. Lindeknech successfully resolved the situation and then won three consecutive points to take the first set 7-6(6). In the second set, Alcaraz suffered a break in the first game. Under adversity, he elevated his performance and ultimately won the next two sets 6-3/6-2, narrowly advancing. Alcaraz's opponent in the fourth round is the 13th seed Ruud, who reversed the 24th seed Vasero 3-6/6-3/6-4.

Carlos Alcaraz

The men's singles matches that day also saw continuous surprises. The sixth seed De Minaur's form cooled off, losing to the 2021 tournament champion and 27th seed Norrie 4-6/4-6; the 2022 tournament champion and seventh seed Fritz lost to compatriot youngster Michelsen 4-6/6-7(6); the tenth seed Bublik was reversed by qualifier Rihoki Tsuchihashi 7-6(3)/6-7(3)/3-6, all failing to advance. This marks Tsuchihashi's first career victory over a TOP10 player and his first advancement to the fourth round of a Masters tournament. After the match, Bublik struggled to control his emotions, angrily smashing his racket to vent frustration.

Men's Singles Round of 16 Matchups

[1] Alcaraz vs Ruud [13]

[Q] Rihoki Tsuchihashi vs Norrie [27]

[3] Djokovic vs Draper [14]

[11] Medvedev vs Michelsen

[30] Fils vs Auger-Aliassime [9]

[21] Tiafoe vs Zverev [4]

[25] Lerner Qian vs Davidovich Fokina [18]

[18] Fonseca vs Sinner [2]

(Text and editing: Dato, Image: Visual China)