Active

Indian Wells 2025: Alcaraz Chases Federer’s Record

Carlos Alcaraz has once again demonstrated his dominance at Indian Wells 2025, reaching the semifinals for the 34th time in his career. His latest achievement came after a solid victory over Francisco Cerúndolo, 6-3, 7-6(4).

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Four of the 34 semifinal appearances of Carlos Alcaraz in any tournament have taken place at Indian Wells 2025 / Photo Indian Wells
Four of the 34 semifinal appearances of Carlos Alcaraz in any tournament have taken place at Indian Wells 2025 / Photo Indian Wells

Four of the 34 semifinal appearances of Carlos Alcaraz in any tournament have taken place at Indian Wells 2025.

 

His comfort in the Californian desert was evident when he jokingly wrote on the camera lens, “Should I buy a house here?”.

 

Chasing Records in the Desert

Alcaraz has now won 16 consecutive matches at Indian Wells 2025, dropping only 12 sets in the process. 

 

He is just three wins away from Novak Djokovic’s all-time record and two behind Roger Federer. Should he lift the trophy on Sunday, he will tie Federer’s mark. 

 

Only Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had previously managed to reach the semifinals of this prestigious event for four straight years.

The match against Francisco Cerúndolo took place under tough conditions, with cold winds sweeping through the Indian Wells 2025 venue / Photo Indian Wells
The match against Francisco Cerúndolo took place under tough conditions, with cold winds sweeping through the Indian Wells 2025 venue / Photo Indian Wells

Battling the elements and a determined opponent

The match against Francisco Cerúndolo took place under tough conditions, with cold winds sweeping through the Indian Wells 2025 venue. 

 

The late scheduling only made matters worse, as Alcaraz had never played so late at the Tennis Garden before. 

 

His team, bundled up in jackets and hoodies, reflected just how chilly the evening had become.

 

Cerúndolo, much like Grigor Dimitrov in the previous round, played in short sleeves, showing his resilience against the weather. 

 

A fightback and a clutch finish

Cerúndolo refused to back down and finally capitalized on his ninth break opportunity, surging ahead 4-1 in the second set. 

 

The Argentine was flying high, but Alcaraz responded in style, clawing back to level at 4-4. 

 

Cerúndolo halted the Spaniard’s momentum briefly to hold serve and force a tiebreak, but the experience and composure of Alcaraz proved decisive.

With this victory, Alcaraz set up a semifinal clash against the rising British star Jack Draper, who defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5 / Photo Indian Wells
With this victory, Alcaraz set up a semifinal clash against the rising British star Jack Draper, who defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5 / Photo Indian Wells

A clash of present and future

With this victory, Alcaraz set up a semifinal clash against the rising British star Jack Draper, who defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-5. 

 

The Spaniard and the Brit have faced each other four times before, with Alcaraz leading the head-to-head 3-1. 

 

Neither player has dropped a set in the tournament so far, making this an intriguing battle between two of the sport’s brightest young talents.

 

Interestingly, the connection between Alcaraz and Draper goes beyond the court. 

 

The British player had planned to spend part of last season’s preseason training in Villena, Spain, alongside Alcaraz, but a hip injury prevented him from making the trip. 

 

Now, they meet again under the bright lights of Indian Wells 2025, both determined to take another step toward the title.

Cerúndolo refused to back down and finally capitalized on his ninth break opportunity, surging ahead 4-1 in the second set / Photo Indian Wells
Cerúndolo refused to back down and finally capitalized on his ninth break opportunity, surging ahead 4-1 in the second set / Photo Indian Wells

Indian Wells 2025 keys

  • How many times has Carlos Alcaraz reached the semifinals at Indian Wells? Four times, including Indian Wells 2025.
  • Which record could Alcaraz tie if he wins the tournament? Roger Federer’s record of 18 consecutive wins at Indian Wells.
  • Who will Alcaraz face in the Indian Wells 2025 semifinals? Jack Draper.
  • What weather conditions affected Alcaraz’s match against Cerúndolo? Cold temperatures and strong winds in the Coachella Valley.