Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain is headed back to the top of world rankings as well after a straight-sets win over fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia on Sunday in the finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif.
The 6–3, 6–2 victory came in 71 minutes in what was just the second meeting between the two. Medvedev won their 2021 matchup at Wimbledon in straight sets.
Alcaraz did not lose a set in his first time in this tournament. He also ended Medvedev’s run of three straight tourney wins and 19 consecutive match wins.
“It means a lot to me,” Alcaraz said. “To recover the No. 1 (ranking) is crazy for me. But especially to lift the trophy here for me means a lot…I love this tournament. I really enjoy my time here, and of course I felt the love from the people from day one.”…