Carlos Alcaraz remains unbeaten in 2026 after a straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the BNP Paribas Open

Carlos Alcaraz continued his perfect run in 2026 with a stunning win over Grigor Dimitrov at the BNP Paribas Open on March 7. The top-ranked Spaniard gained a 6-2, 6-3 triumph on Stadium Court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, wrapping up the match in just over an hour.As a result, the 22-year-old tennis star improved his season record to 13-0. The win also marked another strong start for the two-time Indian Wells champion, who has often looked comfortable in the California desert.

Carlos Alcaraz handles windy conditions to extend perfect season start

From the opening games, Carlos Alcaraz continued to win hearts. Even though wind swirled around Stadium Court, he stayed composed and controlled rallies from the baseline. His forehand repeatedly pushed Dimitrov deep behind the line, forcing errors and short returns.

Early in the first set, Alcaraz secured the crucial break. Dimitrov struggled to build rhythm, and the Spaniard quickly closed the set 6-2. The pattern continued in the second set. Alcaraz served with confidence and moved smoothly across the court. Dimitrov attempted to extend rallies, yet Alcaraz continued to apply pressure.

Eventually, the Spaniard sealed the match 6-3 and walked off with another convincing win.

Speaking during his on-court interview with tournament announcer Andrew Krasny after the match on March 7, Alcaraz acknowledged the tricky playing conditions. “I think I played great,” Alcaraz said during the on-court interview at the BNP Paribas Open. “The conditions weren’t easy. A lot of wind today. So I’m just happy to get it in straight sets.

”Meanwhile, the win extended a remarkable start to the season. Earlier this year, Alcaraz captured the Australian Open title in January.

Soon after, he lifted another trophy at the Qatar Open in Doha. Therefore, the victory over Dimitrov pushed his winning streak to 13 matches.Indian Wells has also been a successful stop for him in recent seasons. Alcaraz won the tournament in 2023 and 2024. Last year, however, his run ended in the semifinals when Jack Draper advanced and later won the title. Saturday’s match also featured a notable guest.Interestingly, NBA star Jimmy Butler attended the contest while recovering from ACL surgery that ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025–26 basketball season.

During the same interview with Krasny, Alcaraz spoke about Butler’s presence.“He’s my guy,” Alcaraz said at Indian Wells. “He told me he was doing rehab close by and that he would come watch.”Next, Alcaraz will face Arthur Rinderknech in the third round on March 9. The French player advanced after Juan Manuel Cerúndolo withdrew from their scheduled match. If his current form continues, Alcaraz could once again mount a serious title push in Indian Wells.