Alcaraz ousts Auger-Aliassime as Sinner ends Fritz Indian Wells title defense

Carlos Alcaraz has continued his hunt for a maiden BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells title and also sealed a first win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in four meetings.

He emerged a 6-4, 6-4 winner in the desert with both players showing a highlight reel match full of power, athleticism and fine shotmaking over the two hours. But it was the Spaniard who also keeps up his hunt for World No.1.

While earlier on, Jannik Sinner prevailed in a three set battle over defending champion, Taylor Fritz who ends his stint as king of the Desert.

It was a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 for the Italian who has already made history as the first Italian to reach this point of the tournament in its 47-year history.

He broke in the very first game of the opening set which proved the difference as he sealed a 6-4 opener before Fritz raced through the second. But Sinner this time had to be patient and after multiple chances in the first game, as well as 3-3, he finally got his man at 5-4 before closing it out.