Carlos Alcaraz responds to American fans recreating the infamous bee invasion incident at Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz was handicapped by a string of bees during last year's Indian Wells quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev.

Carlos Alcaraz responds to American fans recreating the infamous bee invasion incident at Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz and fans dressed as bees (via X)

World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz will always remember last year’s bee invasion at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The unusual incident caused a long delay in his quarter-final match. It became one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.

During his third-round win over Denis Shapovalov on Monday, Alcaraz noticed some fans dressed in black and yellow stripes. Their outfits were a fun tribute to the bee invasion from the previous year. In 2024, beekeeper Lance Davis had to step in to clear the court.

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It’s something funny, it helped me a lot throughout the first set, I was looking at them and laughing. I always say that when I laugh, it’s when I have the most fun on the court and show my best tennis. Probably, thanks to them, I have also been able to showcase this level of tennis. I didn’t realize until the second game, when the camera put them on screen, so it was funny. In the end, I took a selfie with them, I think they deserve it.

Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match interview

Alcaraz played a strong match, defeating Shapovalov 6-2, 6-4. His win streak in Indian Wells has now reached 14 matches. After the match, he thanked the fans for their support and said they helped motivate him.

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Before his first match against Quentin Halys, Alcaraz also met beekeeper Davis again. This reunion made the unusual event an even more unforgettable part of his Indian Wells journey.

Carlos Alcaraz advances to the fourth round of Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz kept his Indian Wells title defense alive with a strong win over Denis Shapovalov. The Spanish star defeated the in-form Canadian 6-2, 6-4 on Monday (March 11). He is aiming for a rare three-peat at the tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via ATP/X)

The world No. 3 started fast, breaking Shapovalov in the first game with a powerful forehand down the line. He quickly built a 5-0 lead, which set the tone for the match. Alcaraz saved three of the four break points he faced and took advantage of four out of eight chances. He sealed the win with a strong overhead shot.

After the match, Alcaraz said the quick start was important against an opponent in good form. He was happy with his performance but admitted there were still areas to improve. If he wins the title, he will join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only players to claim three straight Indian Wells trophies.

In other matches, world No. 4 Taylor Fritz fought back to defeat Alejandro Tabilo. The 2022 Indian Wells champion lost the first set but made fewer mistakes to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.