"Watch media run back to Carlos Alcaraz now"; "GOAT in making": Fans rejoice as Spaniard ends title drought in Indian Wells against Daniil Medvedev
Carlos Alcaraz has ended his title drought since the 2023 Wimbledon Championships by successfully defending his Indian Wells title against Daniil Medvedev, sending tennis fans into a frenzy.
There were doubts about Alcaraz's form in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament due to an ankle injury he sustained during his opening match at the Rio Open just a few weeks ago, causing him to retire hurt. However, the Spaniard brushed aside all concerns with a 7-6(5), 6-1 victory against Medvedev in the summit clash in California.
With this win, the 20-year-old became the first man since Novak Djokovic, who won three in a row from 2014 to 2016, to defend his Indian Wells title. He is also the second player to secure five or more Masters titles before turning 21 after his compatriot Rafael Nadal.
Tennis fans have now taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share their excitement about Carlos Alcaraz's Indian Wells title win. One user wrote about how the media, who had raised doubts over his form, will now come running back to him.
"Of course I knew he would defend it lol, congrats Alcaraz...watch the media run back to you now lol," the user wrote.
Another posted:
"Alcaraz's triumph is a storybook tale of resilience and skill! Taking on titans such as Sinner, Medvedev, and Zverev, he carved his way to the title with the grace of a maestro. What a monumental win! Truly, a champion among champions."
One account tweeted:
"5th masters title, 2 slams and he is only 20 years old. The things he does on the court are out of this world yet he has so many haters. They hate the best. Carlitos is the GOAT in making."
Here are a few more reactions from tennis fans:
Carlos Alcaraz shares key takeaways from Indian Wells 2024 win
Carlos Alcaraz attended a press conference after his 2024 Indian Wells Masters win over Daniil Medvedev and shared the key takeaways from his run at the ATP 1000 tournament.
"That you can overcome all the problems that you have. It doesn't matter what problems you have. If you believe in yourself, you have a really good team around, you work hard, everything can turn around. I think that's the most lesson that I take from this tournament," he said.
When asked how he feels about being the first player to defend his title at the ATP Masters tournament in Palm Springs since Novak Djokovic, the Spaniard said:
"Well, it's great. It's never easy. I think it's even more difficult if it's a Masters 1000. I'm really happy to show really good tennis this tournament. It's a really special place for me. Yeah, really happy to be able to defend the title here in Indian Wells."
Alcaraz will now aim for his first Sunshine Double as he heads into the Miami Open (March 20-31). He will be the top seed since Djokovic has withdrawn from the event.