Carlos Alcaraz, who can become world No.1 again in the event of a title, and Daniil Medvedev, in search of a fourth trophy in a row in five weeks, have made an appointment in the Indian Wells final, confirming that they are the leaders of the moment, in the absence of Novak DJokovic.
The 19-year-old Spaniard (2nd) beat with authority 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 the Italian Jannik Sinner (13th), for their reunion, six months after their Homeric duel which had turned in his favor in the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.
Earlier, the 27-year-old Russian (6th), had logically dismissed 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) the American Frances Tiafoe (16th), without ever flinching, despite missing seven match points.
This duel in the sun, in the Californian desert, between the last two winners of the US Open, looks very undecided, as they have been in resplendent form for several weeks.
Alcaraz, who won his first major title in New York last year, becoming at 18 the youngest player in history to ascend the ATP throne, had to recover from a thigh injury contracted in January.
For his return, he won in Buenos Aires and only gave up in the final then in Rio De Janeiro, against the Briton Cameron Norrie.
“He is extraordinary”
Medvedev is undefeated for 19 matches, with titles gleaned in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.
The last to have reached four finals in five weeks is Andy Murray, in 2016. And the last to win five in as many weeks, is Ivan Lendl in 1981. Proof that after a 2022 season inside, his level of play is closer to the one who had allowed him to triumph at the US Open in 2021.
“
I am ambitious.
I want to play against the best players in the world.
Because to be the best, you have to beat the best.
And I believe that Daniil is the best player at the moment
,” summed up Alcaraz.
The Spaniard and the Russian have only met once, in the second round of Wimbledon in 2021. And the second had crushed the first.
But in two years a lot has changed, with the emergence of the prodigy from Murcia...
“
This victory counts, of course, in our face-to-face meetings.
But Carlos was not the same player as today.
In a way, it will be like a first match, from all tactical, physical and tennis points of view
”, moderated Medvedev.
And to cover his future opponent with praise: “
He is extraordinary, he has incredible skills.
It's hard to compare him to anyone.. Maybe to +Rafa+ (Nadal), but Rafa is left-handed... When he hits a forehand, it's very impressive.
I don't think anyone can hit that hard and with that much topspin.
That's why he was world No.1
.
"It's a wall"
The 27-year-old Russian, who preceded the Spaniard on the roof of world tennis for a few weeks last year, obviously has arguments to put forward, with his knowledge of the game and his ability to return all the balls - "it
' is a wall
”, synthesizes Alcaraz admiringly -.
Especially since he seems in full possession of his means, despite a twisted ankle, during the 8th final won against the German Alexander Zverev, after more than three hours of intense struggle.
"
I'm playing better and better.
I would even say that it was after hurting myself that I started to play better on this court, even though these are not my favorite playing conditions.
But when you're in the final, you can't complain
, ”smiled Medvedev, who also cut his right thumb in the quarterfinals, beating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich.
His confidence is all the greater, as he finally manages to play his best tennis in this tournament, where he had never passed the 8th place.
Despite the sores, therefore, and the slowness of the courts, which he sharply castigated at the start of the competition, when he was still making his mark.
Alcaraz, who also reached the final of the event for the first time, expects a fight at all times.
“
We will have to play at a very high level, thinking that it will be war.
I will have to do everything...perfectly
”.
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