Carlos Alcaraz suffered a tough defeat in the semifinals of Indian Wells 2025 against UK No. 1 Jack Draper. The Roland Garros champion was not in his best form and missed his chance to win his third consecutive crown in California.
Sadness for the world number 3, Carlos Alcaraz, after being eliminated in the semifinals of Indian Wells in a strange match, something that can be directly inferred by observing the result: 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 in favor of Jack Draper.
The British player has been on the rise in recent months, something that will be reflected in his ranking in the coming weeks, as he has secured a place among the top 10 in the world for the first time in his career by reaching the final of the tournament.
After the game, Alcaraz reflected on the possible causes of their defeat and this is what he had to say: "Maybe today when facing Draper, who was playing very well, very solid, with a game that in Indian Wells suits him quite well, I was more focused on how difficult the match could be, and on Jack's level, rather than on what I do well. That's what weighed on me today".
The Spaniard fell just short of joining Novak Djokovic as the only two to win the event three years in a row, but the Spaniard played it down:
"It's a tournament where I always want to win, I want to do well. The Federer and Djokovic thing is not something that was on my mind for a long time, it's things you think about from time to time, but it's not something I've paid much attention to."
Regarding the controversial call of the umpire in the third set, about a double bounce against Draper, Alcaraz said the following: "Well, not really. I mean, I didn't see if it was one bounce or two bounces at first. So I was just waiting for the review. I mean, and then, you know, with the second review, it was in the middle of the spot or after I hit it, so I wasn't sure enough. So I didn't hear, you know, as I hit the ball, but I wasn't sure enough to say anything."
"And, you know, waiting for the ball reviews, they didn't bother me at all. I mean, that way it was normal for review, so all I can say is Jack came in, played much better than I did. You know, that point didn't affect my game at all."
On this controversy…
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 16, 2025
Two big mistakes from Lahyani in three minutes.
- Pretty poor ‘not up’ call against Draper
- Inexplicable decision on the second VAR challenge as it was pretty obvious that his (very loud) call wasn’t late.
pic.twitter.com/zoGXeQg3bj
The Spaniard will lose some ranking points for not being able to defend his title at the Tennis Garden, but he will try to turn the page quickly and face the Miami Open in the best way possible:
"We are going to try to learn from today, from this defeat, there are many things that can be learned and I will try to go to Miami in the best way, with the desire to train, to improve. It is a tournament where I really like to play, I have played good tennis there, and what I said I will try to get to Miami and think about ourselves, what we do well," he said.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
