John Isner explains why 2-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz may struggle at Indian Wells despite being ‘big favorite’ to win
Carlos Alcaraz is chasing history at Indian Wells, having lifted the title in the last two editions by beating Daniil Medvedev.
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Carlos Alcaraz, John Isner (Image via ATP/X)
The surface change at this year’s Indian Wells has become a topic of discussion. Laykold replaced Plexipave, and this prompted several players to criticize the tournament.
As per reports, Laykold, whose courts are used at the US Open, is a bit faster than Plexipave. World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, who knows that players somehow have to adapt to different conditions, said he couldn’t fathom the reason behind the surface change.
Former ATP player Steve Johnson thinks that for the first time, there are “20 to 30 players who could potentially” win the tournament because of the change of surface. John Isner, however, disagreed with his compatriot, as he called Alcaraz the favorite, though he too feels Alcaraz may struggle a bit to play more dominantly.
I think Alcaraz is the big favorite, he seems so comfortable on this surface, he was so dominant last year. Again, the surface has changed, he’s maybe not as big a favorite as he would have been on the old surface, but I think he’s the first to beat and I think he’s going to win the tournament again.
John Isner said on Nothing Major podcast
The World No.3 is chasing his second title of the season following his Rotterdam Open win. In the last two editions of Indian Wells, Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev in the finals.
Carlos Alcaraz is chasing history at Indian Wells
Carlos Alcaraz is bidding to become the first player born in 1991 or later to win an ATP tournament three times on the trot. If he wins, he will join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to win the Indian Wells for three consecutive times.
He kickstarted his campaign with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Quentin Halys to reach the third round of the Indian Wells for the fourth consecutive year. The four-time Grand Slam champion also improved his win-loss record to 17-2 in the California desert.
I was really nervous, it wasn’t easy to control the emotions. I had to be focused to calm down, to take control of the nerves, and try and play good tennis. I think it did pretty well. I’m really happy to get through and start the title defense.
Carlos Alcaraz said during his on-court interview
The 21-year-old will next lock horns with 27th seed Denis Shapovalov, who beat Adam Walton in his Indian Wells opener. The upcoming match will be their second encounter on the tour following their 2023 French Open clash.
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