Carlos Alcaraz Not Worried About Joao Fonseca’s Rise After Jannik Sinner Clash

Carlos Alcaraz set up his career's ninth match against Cameron Norrie after knocking out Casper Ruud.

Carlos Alcaraz Not Worried About Joao Fonseca’s Rise After Jannik Sinner Clash

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Jannik Sinner HQ, Ivan Aguilar)

In Short
  • Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters after defeating Casper Ruud.
  • Jannik Sinner eliminated Joao Fonseca in a closely contested fourth-round match.
  • Alcaraz is set to face Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals, holding a 5-3 head-to-head record against him.

Carlos Alcaraz has once again produced a strong performance to inch closer to his third title of the season. The Spaniard knocked out Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-6(2) to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters for the fifth consecutive time since 2022.

Alcaraz is also chasing his third title in the California desert, having won in 2023 and 2024 by defeating Daniil Medvedev. Last year, he couldn’t complete the three-peat as eventual champion Jack Draper knocked him out in the semifinals.

In another fourth-round match in the ongoing event, Jannik Sinner eliminated Joao Fonseca after a thrilling contest. The much-hyped match did not disappoint, as Sinner clinched the win with a scoreline of 7-6(6), 7-6(4).

It was the first time the Brazilian sensation met Alcaraz or Sinner in an official event. At the press conference after the World No.1’s win over Ruud, he was asked whether he is worried about the meteoric rise of Fonseca.

No, no. Why should I worry? No, I know this happens (smiles). I watched the match for a while. I couldn’t watch it all, but I did see that Joao is playing at a high level of tennis. When someone goes head-to-head with Jannik, managing to leave the score at a double 7-6, it is clear that he had to play at a sensational level and deliver a great performance. I am happy to see Joao grow in this way, play these kinds of matches, at this level.

Sinner has set up his quarterfinal match against Learner Tien, who overcame Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the previous round. The four-time Grand Slam champion has yet to win a title this year, losing in the Australian Open semifinals to Novak Djokovic and in the Qatar Open quarterfinals to Jakub Mensik.

Carlos Alcaraz shares his feelings on his upcoming match against Cameron Norrie

Carlos Alcaraz, after improving his head-to-head record over Casper Ruud to 6-1, has scheduled his quarterfinal match against Cameron Norrie. Now, Alcaraz, even though he holds a lead in the head-to-head record over the Brit, has also lost three matches against him.

Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie (Via X/Carlos Alcaraz/Wimbledon)
Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie (Via X/Carlos Alcaraz/Wimbledon)

The seven-time Grand Slam champion has played Norrie eight times, losing three matches. It was Norrie who defeated him in their last meeting in the round of 32 of the 2025 Paris Masters.

I would love to be able to answer that question, honestly (smiles), but surely Cam is watching this. I would say that it is always tough to play against left-handed tennis players: the way he can vary the ball’s height is fantastic. He has a very flat backhand and a forehand with a lot of spin, which can confuse you in terms of how you perceive the ball coming to you. He is a gladiator, moreover, a tremendous fighter who battles for every ball, every game, every set.

Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference

Alcaraz is chasing his ninth Masters 1000 title, with the last title at this level coming at the 2025 Cincinnati Masters by defeating Jannik Sinner. The 24-year-old is also chasing his third title of the season following his wins at the Australian Open over Novak Djokovic and over Arthur Fils in the Qatar Open final. He is on a 15-match winning streak, with his last defeat coming at the hands of Sinner in the 2025 ATP Finals.

Norrie has so far won one Big Title, and that trophy he lifted at Indian Wells back in 2021. And since then, he has made three quarterfinals. Last year, his run ended in the third round.

Also read: Victoria Mboko Shares Honest Feelings After Debuting as a Top 10 Player in Indian Wells