Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest quarter-finalist since 1989 – can he win the Indian Wells?

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Carlos Alcaraz defeated Gael Monfils in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 in the Round of 16

Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells with a straight sets win against an in-form Gael Monfils. Monfils was coming off a huge win against then-World No.1 Medvedev in the previous round.

Alcaraz completely brushed demolished Monfils in a game which fans expected to be a lot closer. The 35-year old was no match for the teenager who now stretches his win record this season to 11-1.

Alcaraz has now become the youngest men’s quarter-finalist at Indian Wells since 17-year old Michael Chang in 1989. The Spaniard has entered the tournament as the 19th seed and is scheduled to face a higher-seeded Cameron Norrie in the Quarter Finals.

Norrie is in great form himself, coming off a comfortable straight-sets victory against Jenson Brooksby in the previous round. Given the form both the players are in, we can expect a thoroughly intense tennis match. Can 18-year old Alcaraz go all the way and clinch the title? Well, we certainly can’t rule out the chances with the youngster consistently playing his best game every match.

Is Carlos Alcaraz the dark horse at the Roland Garros?

Alcaraz is coming off a recent title win on clay surface at the Rio Open. Carlos Alcaraz is often compared to his idol Rafael Nadal. Left-handed, Spanish, strong on clay surfaces – too much in common isn’t it? Well, there is definitely something more to it. The potential, the talent and the precise execution, Alcaraz has it in abundance. When you watch Alcaraz play, you can definitely relate him to Nadal in the early stages of his career. Alcaraz has been considered the next big thing in tennis for quite sometime now. Is Roland Garros finally the stage where Alcaraz put his name for reckoning along with the big boys?

Carlos Alcaraz is a teenage sensation from Soain
18-year-old teenage tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz in action during a match. (Getty Images)

Alcaraz won the Rio Open, a tournament played on clay surface, a good warm-up event leading to the Roland Garos which is played on clay surface. Alcaraz became the youngest ever ATP 500 champion after defeating Diego Schwartzmann 6-4, 6-2 in the final. Alcaraz though would need to be careful about his fitness leading to the second Grand Slam of the year. The Spaniard withdrew from the Acapulco Open in Mexico owing to a niggle he suffered post the Rio Open.

Alcaraz would definitely look to take it one at a time though. The teenager has a real chance to win the Indian Wells and he certainly is focusing on the ongoing tournament right now.

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