Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic's Indian Wells chances assessed by Alex Corretja - 'A lot of things can happen'
Published 04/03/2026 at 18:35 GMT
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All eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic at the Indian Wells Open. Alcaraz is the favourite, but fellow Spaniard Alex Corretja has told TNT Sports that things could be less predictable in California. Sinner is looking for his first title of the season, while Djokovic is out to win a record sixth Indian Wells title after his remarkable run to the Australian Open final.
'Alright, I made it' - Alcaraz shows off Australian Open trophy after historic career Grand Slam win
Video credit: SNTV
Who will be crowned 2026 men's champion at Indian Wells?
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz heads to California as the favourite having already won the Australian Open and Qatar Open in a strong start to 2026.
In Melbourne he became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam and at the Qatar Open he showed his quality by thrashing Arthur Fils in just 50 minutes in the final.
TNT Sports expert Alex Corretja has backed his compatriot to compete for a third Indian Wells title, particularly after a break following his success in Qatar.
"I think Alcaraz arrives incredibly because the start of the season could not have been better," said Corretja.
"I think he has found an incredible balance in terms of feeling on the court, off the court.
"He looks very mature, he looks very stable, he looks very convinced of what he wants. I also think that the tournament selection is very good because, after having won in Australia, he has taken his time, he has been able to rest, recover, return to training and arrive in Doha in a brilliant way and that has given him the title again.
"Now they have stopped for a few days, he has regained energy and is going back to Indian Wells. A person like him, who is so explosive, must do this. It's like a little up and a little down and so on. That is the best Carlos can do to make the most of his possibilities."
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Highlights: Alcaraz beats Djokovic to complete career Grand Slam
Video credit: TNT Sports
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner will be looking to win his first title of the season in Indian Wells.
Sinner lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals and was then beaten by Jakub Mensik in the Qatar Open quarter-finals.
"I don't think Sinner is having a hard time finding his best version," said Corretja.
"Because I think he's incorporating new things into his tennis to, as he said, not be so predictable.
"But that has a period in which you have to adapt, you have to incorporate, maybe with more drop shots, going up a little more to the net, looking for more winners in a different way, varying something, but all that has a toll and I think it's what Sinner is paying for to be more complete as a player from now on.
"It is a good investment on his part and I think that's what he has to do if you want to stay at the top by winning Grand Slam titles, which I'm convinced he will continue to do."
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Highlights: Djokovic beats Sinner in thriller to set up Alcaraz final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Despite the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner last season, Corretja suggested it is not a guarantee that the top two seeds will meet in the final at Indian Wells.
"They are really complex events, things happen, there are a lot of players, the draw is very big, it lasts many days.
"A lot of things can happen because Indian Wells is very hot, it's very dry, but suddenly you have a session at night and it's cold, everything is more humid.
"On the other hand, suddenly it can be very windy. So you have to focus on your day to day and on your matches."
Novak Djokovic will also be in action in Indian Wells as he returns to action after reaching the Australian Open final.
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The 24-time Grand Slam champion hasn't played since his defeat to Alcaraz in Melbourne.
"It's been a while now that Djokovic has been selecting tournaments exclusively for when he wants to be at his best," Corretja said.
"When he doesn't look 100% to compete mentally or physically, he gives in and waits for his next opportunity. It's like a lion crouching there waiting for its prey. When he feels that he is well, he jumps back into the court.
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Murray picks out 'best chance' for Djokovic to win 25th Slam after Alcaraz loss
Video credit: TNT Sports
"With Djokovic, you can't go much further than the next tournament, because maybe you see him very well but he decides to rest for three or four weeks, or maybe you don't see him so fine and instead he surprises you and starts winning a lot of matches.
"Right now he is in a place where he is capable of anything. For Novak, the affection of the public is very important, to feel loved, and he is enjoying that a lot. He is going to be talked about for sure, because he will be in good condition at practically all important tournaments of the year."
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