Two-time defending Indian Wells champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a tough test against Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday, winning 6-3, 7-6(4) to book his place in the semifinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Battling chilly, windy conditions, the world No. 3 rallied from a 1-4 deficit in the second set, forcing a tiebreaker where he took control to stay on track for a historic third consecutive title in the California desert—a feat only achieved by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

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Alcaraz will now face Jack Draper, who reached his first-ever Masters 1000 semifinal after a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Ben Shelton. Draper recovered from 0-3 down in the second set to close out the match as Shelton struggled with 32 unforced errors, including five double faults.

Medvedev Survives Thriller to Set Up Clash With Rune

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev overcame a tough three-set battle against rising French star Arthur Fils, winning 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7) in a match heavily affected by strong winds.

Fils led 4-2 in the third set and appeared close to an upset, but Medvedev fought back to force a tiebreak, eventually sealing victory on his third match point. The Russian, who finished as runner-up to Alcaraz in the past two editions, is aiming for his first title since 2023, when he won five trophies.

Next up for Medvedev is Holger Rune, the Danish rising star who battled past Tallon Griekspoor in a 5-7, 6-0, 6-3comeback win. Rune, who defeated Novak Djokovic to win the 2022 Paris Masters, has struggled for consistency but remains a dangerous contender.

Indian Wells Men’s Semifinal Lineup:

Carlos Alcaraz (2) vs. Jack Draper
Daniil Medvedev (4) vs. Holger Rune (7)

Will Alcaraz continue his title defense, or can Draper pull off a career-defining upset? Can Medvedev finally claim the Indian Wells crown, or will Rune spoil his run?

SportsLigue