Carlos Alcaraz adapts to 'difficult conditions' to cruise past Grigor Dimitrov with straight-sets win in second round at Indian Wells

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Carlos Alcaraz overcame "difficult conditions" to cruise past Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the second round at Indian Wells. The world No. 1 secured victory in 66 minutes, despite the blustery conditions in California, to continue his perfect start to 2026, having now won 13 successive matches this year. The Spaniard will now face Arthur Rinderknech as he pursues a third Indian Wells title.

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Carlos Alcaraz said his ability to adapt to testing conditions was the key to his straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the second round at Indian Wells.

The Spaniard dealt with "a lot of wind" in California as he cruised to a 6-2 6-3 win in just over an hour, extending his perfect start to the season, having already won the Australian Open and Qatar Open in 2026.

The world No. 1 secured the opening set with his second break of serve, while the crucial break in the second set came as he led 4-3, with the 22-year-old then holding his serve to see out the match.

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After his 13th successive win this year, Alcaraz said he was "really happy" with his display over world No. 42 Dimitrov, particularly as he "knew it was going to be difficult with the conditions".

"I played great," he said. "The conditions weren't easy - a lot of wind today.

"His style is really, really dangerous, and it’s always tough to control the ball when he steps on the court, and he’s hitting his shots.

"With the wind today, it was even tougher, and I think I adapted my game better, and that’s why I took the match. In general, I’m really, really happy with the things that I’ve done today."

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Alcaraz is targeting a third title at Indian Wells, having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024.

He was beaten in the semi-finals in last year’s tournament, losing in three sets to Jack Draper, with the Brit going on to claim the title.

"I love playing here," Alcaraz said. "I love being here so, so much. I think that’s why I’m playing relaxed, playing calm, chilling, trying to enjoy every time I step on the court."

Having received a bye through the opening round, the Spaniard is now into the third round, where he will face Arthur Rinderknech of France, whom he has beaten in all five previous meetings between the pair.

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Draper successfully begins title defence, Norrie and Djokovic also through

Jack Draper made a winning start to his title defence despite feeling "underprepared", as he came from a set down to beat Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

The British No.1 is playing in just his second ATP Tour event since pulling out in the second round of the US Open in August because of bone bruising on his left arm.

The 24-year-old was off the pace in the opening set, but turned things around to secure a 3-6 6-3 6-2 victory and book his place in the third round, where he will face Francisco Cerundolo.

Speaking after his victory, Draper told BBC Sport he had "mixed emotions".

"It felt great because of such good memories here from last year, but at the same time, difficult because I am probably underprepared for this tournament compared to how I would like it to be," he said.

Highlights: Draper makes winning start to Indian Wells defence

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"I started a little slow, but then fought back hard and found some really good levels towards the end. I can only go in one direction from here."

There were two other Brits in action, with Cameron Norrie securing a comfortable 6-2 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald, while Jacob Fearnley suffered a 6-3 6-7(8-10) 6-1 defeat to Taylor Fritz.

Norrie will now face world No. 6 Alex de Minaur for a spot in the last 16.

"I have been having an amazing preparation," said Norrie. "I got here with time - a lot of time - so I've been practising really, really well against all types of players, and the weather's been unreal, so good vibes all around."

Elsewhere, five-time champion Novak Djokovic came from behind against Kamil Majchrzak, winning 4-6 6-1, 6-2 to advance into the third round.

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