Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his perfect 2026 run by defeating Casper Ruud 6-1, 7-6(2) to reach the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Open for the fifth consecutive year.
The 22-year-old set the tone early with a break in the opening game and dominated the first set with aggressive shot-making. Ruud responded strongly in the second set, producing a stunning forehand passing shot and pushing the match to a tiebreak without facing a break point.
However, Alcaraz elevated his game in the tiebreak with several winners to seal the victory. He will now face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals.