History has been made at the
Indian Wells after the confirmation
of the semifinal lineup in the men’s singles category. The ATP 1000 event is
moving closer to its conclusion as remaining players are giving their all to
secure the ultimate prize.
The first semifinal of the competition will be between Denmark’s
Holger Rune and Russia’s Daniil Medvedev whereas in the second semifinal, Spain’s
Carlos Alcaraz will feature against Britain’s
Jack Draper. With that lineup
confirmed, the Indian Wells becomes the first ATP 1000 event where three
players born in 2000s have cemented their spot in the semifinal of the competition.
Rune booked his place in the last-eight after beating
Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor with a score of 5-7, 6-0, 6-3. His opponent, Medvedev, registered his spot in the last four after beating France’s Arthur Fils with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 7-6. Alcaraz, on the other hand, defeated Argentina’s Francisco
Cerundolo in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6. Draper outclassed America’s
Ben Shelton in the quarterfinal in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-5.
Rune will be facing Medvedev for the fourth time in professional
tennis. In the previous three meetings, the one-time Grand Slam winner has a
slight advantage with two wins and just one defeat. Their most recent meeting
was interestingly in the quarterfinal of the same event last year where Medvedev
came out on top in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-4.
On the other hand, it will be the fourth meeting between Alcaraz
and Draper in professional tennis. In those meetings, the Spaniard has a clear
edge with three wins and just one defeat. Their most recent meeting was in the
round of 16 of the Australian Open earlier this year, where Alcaraz came out on
top after Draper was forced to retire. The final score of the match was 7-5,
6-1.