The Spaniard outclassed the Russian (6th) 3-6, 2-6, making a double blow in the Californian desert, since he dislodges from the throne the Serbian Novak Djokovic, prevented from entering the American territory, because not vaccinated against Covid. He had occupied it for the first time in September 2022, after his major coronation at the US Open.

This title is the eighth of his career, in eleven finals played. The third in Masters 1000, category just below the Grand Slams. He is the youngest of the nine players to have achieved the "Sunshine Double", which also consists of winning the Miami Open.

Winner in Florida last year, the prodigy from Murcia will have the opportunity to defend his title, starting next weekend. And he will have to keep it if he wants to stay at the top of world tennis, according to the ATP projection.

"To win like that, it gives a lot of confidence obviously. I hope to keep that level in Miami," said Alcaraz, who hasn't lost a set in the tournament. The last to do so well was Roger Federer in 2017.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz faces Russia's Daniil Medvedev during the Indian Wells final on March 19, 2023 in California, U.S ©. Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

"I tried..."

The day before, he had announced the color. "We're going to have to play at a very high level, thinking it's going to be war. I will have to do everything perfectly, "he said about this final, dreamed on paper, between the two players in great form of the moment, and which turned into a nightmare for the Russian.

Because he kept his word. Excelling in all areas, serving (76% of successful first balls), in exchanges (19 winning shots to 4) or on the fly (10/13 winners), he managed a show of strength. And it was not the wind, blowing quite strongly, that was going to slow down the Spanish tornado...

"The conditions were difficult today. Daniil obviously didn't play at his best, but I'm very happy with the way I played," Alcaraz said.

Rarely has Medvedev, who preceded him in the 2021 US Open rankings, but also on the world throne last year, been so powerless on court. "I hope you give me a chance next time. I tried (to resist) but it was too easy for you," the 27-year-old Russian said.

Succeeding American Taylor Fritz on the list, Alcaraz inflicted on his rival, who remained on three titles in a row won in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai, his first defeat in twenty matches.

Daniil Medvedev against Carlos Alcaraz during the Indian Wells final, on March 19, 2023 in California, United States © Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

Meteoric trajectory

The two players had previously met only once, in the second round of Wimbledon in 2. And the Russian corrected it at the time. But since then, a lot has changed. Called to reign over world tennis in the coming years, the Spaniard is indeed on a meteoric trajectory.

Despite his disappointment, Medvedev was satisfied with his run in this tournament, which he criticizes the slowness of the surface. "I'm proud to have reached the final, because here it's a clay court, on a hard court," he said with a pinch of irony.

The fact is that there had never been more than 8th before. During his career, he overcame the pain of a twisted ankle, during the 8th final won against the German Alexander Zverev, after more than three hours of intense struggle.

Medvedev did not seem physically diminished against Alcaraz, just overwhelmed.

The Spaniard had arrived in Indian Wells, after a victory in Buenos Aires and a final then lost in Rio de Janeiro, in relative uncertainty, due to a painful thigh. In January, an injury there forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open.

It seems to be a bad memory, because he ran and twirled, without apprehension or handbrake.

A storm warning is already coming to Florida.

© 2023 AFP