Carlos Alcaraz beats Grigor Dimitrov in perfect Indian Wells opener | ATP Tour

Indian Wells

Orange Crush: Alcaraz perfects Dimitrov in Indian Wells opener

The two-time champion will next face Rinderknech

March 8, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz continued his perfect start to the season at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday with a flawless performance to beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3.

Alcaraz, who dominated from the baseline in a bright orange shirt with orange shorts and a fresh fade, started the Indian Wells tour in the same form as when he won the Australian Open and Doha ATP 500 last month. A two-time Indian Wells champion, Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 13 games.

“I knew it would be difficult to play in these conditions,” Alcaraz said after his second-round win. “His style is really dangerous and it’s always hard to control the ball when he steps on the court to hit it. It was windy today and it made things a lot tougher and I think I adapted my game better and that’s why I played. Overall, I’m very, very happy with what I did today.”

Oh my Alcaraz 😱 @BNPPARIBASOPEN | #tennisparadise | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/LQlEXIWB6Q

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 8, 2026

Despite the challenge of blustery desert conditions, Alcaraz still hit his forehand with pinpoint accuracy and consistent firepower. The 22-year-old was all smiles and looked relaxed throughout the 66 minutes, his confidence almost palpable. After Alcaraz hit a forehand winner to end the seventh game of the second set, Dimitrov greeted him with a high five in transition.

“I love playing here. I love, love, love here,” Alcaraz said. “I think that’s why I play relaxed, calm, collected and try to enjoy every time I step on the court.”

The PIF ATP world number one improved to 5-2 in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series against the Bulgarian player, who is 12 years his senior. The former number three has caused trouble for the Spaniard before, notably beating him in Miami two years ago, with Alcaraz hilariously saying Dimitrov’s performance “made me feel like I was 13”. The fan favorites met in Indian Wells last year, with Alcaraz winning 6-1, 6-1.

Entering the third round, Alcaraz will next face No. 26 seed Arthur Rinderknech, who holds a perfect 5-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head record against his opponent. Lindeknech’s second-round opponent, Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerendolo, withdrew due to a left leg injury, and the Frenchman won comfortably.