Carlos Alcaraz (Image - Davis Cup)
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz takes on the talented Jack Draper in the round of 16 of the 2023 Indian Wells on Tuesday.
The young Spaniard is on a quest of getting back the No. 1 ranking and has shown in the two matches that he has played in Indian Wells that he means business. In the round of 64, Alcaraz eased past Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Alcaraz had a win percentage of 81 on the first serve.
In the round of 32, Alcaraz had to dig deep to take the first set against Tallon Griekspoor. The second set was more straightforward for the 2022 US Open champion. Alcaraz won the match 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. Alcaraz had a win percentage of 75 on the first serve and he wasn’t broken during the entire match.
It has been smooth sailing thus far in the tournament for the world No. 56. He started with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 win against Leandro Riedi in the round of 128. Draper followed it up with another dominant win against 24th seed Dan Evans in the round of 64. Draper emerged victorious in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. He smashed 8 aces in the encounter.
In the round of 32, Draper faced legendary compatriot Andy Murray. The experienced Murray gave Draper a run for his money in the first set but the youngster managed to bag it in the tiebreak. The second set was comprehensively taken by Draper as he won the match 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. Draper’s serve proved to be too hot to handle for the defensively strong Murray. The 21-year-old had a phenomenal win percentage of 93 on the first serve and also smashed 8 aces.
Alcaraz has a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head scoreline. He defeated Draper 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the Basel Open in 2022.
Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets.
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