Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz ran his hot streak at the Indian Wells Masters to 14 victories in a row as the Spaniard schooled good friend Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-4 in the third round on Monday.
Alcaraz now owns an 18-2 career record at the Californian desert venue, standing second behind Jimmy Connors in that category.
He showed fewer nerves than in his opening match as he beat his Canadian opponent in 82 minutes with an overhead winner which Shapo drove into the net.
“I knew I had to start strong and really focus on my game,” the winner said. “I had to show him it would be a difficult match.
“I’m happy with how I started, it was a tough match mentally with some situations. But I’m happy for the win.”
Alcaraz said that he was much calmer heading into the contest. “I didn’t feel my nerves as much as before. I was more relaxed and could think clearer.”We all have nerves, it;s how you control them.”
