Carlos Alcaraz Wins First Indian Wells Tennis Match, Defeats Thanasi Kokkinakis in Straight Sets

Carlos Alcaraz is back with another win!

After nearly two weeks out of recovering from a right hamstring injury, the 19-year-old Spanish tennis star delivered action-packed match at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday (March 11) in Indian Wells, Calif. He defeated Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in two straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

“I would say I played my best, apart from everything: the points that I have to defend, the semi-finals that I have to defend,” Carlos said. “I tried not to think about that, just to play my game, to enjoy playing here. Of course I tried to make people enjoy watching tennis here… That’s what I liked from tonight.”

Why do tennis crowds go crazy for the Spaniard?

Keep reading to find out why everyone including Thanasi love Carlos…

“I try to make people enjoy watching tennis, and the way that I play, they love it or it seems like that,” said Carlos. “I felt the love from the people. I think the US Open helped me a lot, to have a lot of people behind me, supporting me. I would say the way that I play, they love to watch.”

Carlos could make history by being the first teenager to win all three tennis tournaments – Indian Wells, Miami Open and the U.S. Open.

“It’s a really good goal for me,” Carlos told press outlets on Wednesday. “For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 is a good goal, and I’m really going to go for it.”

Thanasi also had noting but praise for the teenage tennis sensation: “It’s not just that he’s got no weaknesses, but he just plays with great energy. He plays tennis the right way. He’s always up and about, he’s always smiling. I think the crowd loves watching him because his energy is almost contagious.”

“He’s one of my favourite players to watch,” Thanasi continued. “Whenever he’s playing, I try to tune in if I’ve got time. I just like the way he plays. He’s got good firepower, he’s lightning quick, he’s got good hands.”

Carlos is currently ranked #2 is in the world but could return to #1 if he wins the title in Indian Wells. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament last week.

Tomorrow, Carlos will face 26-year-old Dutch tennis player Tallon Griekspoor in the third round.

Watch Carlos’s post-match press conference below and check out the gallery!