Carlos Alcaraz earns comeback win against Arthur Rinderknech in Indian Wells, extends outstanding season | ATP Tour
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Alcaraz avoids ‘problem’ against Rinderknech, extends best season at Indian Wells
The Spaniard is followed by a set and a break
March 10, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz improves to 14-0 on the season.
By ATP staff
Carlos Alcaraz turned a sticky situation into a close-fought victory in his evening match with Arthur Rinderknech on Monday at the BNP Paribas Open. Trailing the much-loved Frenchman by a set and the morning break, Alcaraz turned the match on its head to comfortably win 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-2 in Indian Wells, extending his perfect start to the 2026 season to 14-0.
“He was playing his best tennis, I would say, at the beginning, at the beginning of the second. For me, it was really difficult,” said Alcaraz, who was put off by an aggressive start from Rinderknech. “I got into trouble, to be honest, but I’m very happy with the way I dealt with everything that happened. I accepted it, I continued, I got stronger mentally and tried to do something different… I think I just started playing hard, waiting for my opportunities.”
Alcaraz nearly stole a strong opening set, but took the lead at set point at 6/5 after falling back from 2/5. Rinderknech took full advantage of the break, then pressed home her advantage with the opening break in the second set.
But after saving both break points against him in the opening set with fearless tennis, Rinderknech was unable to consolidate that first break in two sets. Alcaraz broke four of 10 break chances between sets two and three, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and frustrated his opponent after finding his ground on the court.
Even a minor ankle concern couldn’t stop Alcaraz’s run to the end, with a mishap causing concern early in the second set. Although Alcaraz plans to have his physio examine the ankle, his performance seemed to give him all the answers he needed: “I went into the third set well, I hope tomorrow will be the same,” he said.
In addition to extending his winning streak to start the season – a run that includes titles at the Australian Open and Doha – Alcaraz also achieved his 32nd straight victory on hard outdoor courts, dating back to Miami last year. Alcaraz also improved to 6-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head against Rinderknech, who has lost 11 of his last 12 sets against the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Alcaraz will next bring a 5-1 Lexus ATP Head2Head record into his last 16 meeting with Casper Ruud. The 13th-seeded Norwegian also came from behind to advance on Monday, defeating 24th-seeded Valentin Vacherot 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
It is in good condition 🔥@DaniilMedwed eliminated Baez 6-4, 6-0 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.@BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/CMbrY5KfvS
– ATP Tour (@atptour) March 10, 2026
Daniil Medvedev closed out the evening’s men’s action with a 6-4, 6-0 decision against Sebastian Baez at Stadium 2. Both men entered the match with a Tour-leading 14 wins this season, and with Monday’s result Medvedev became the first man to reach 15 singles victories on the year.
The world No. 11 is on a six-match winning streak since her Dubai title debut late last month.
