Sinner, Alcaraz roll into IW fourth round

The two hottest young guns in tennis shot through into the Indian Wells Masters fourth round, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner knocking off third-round opponents in an hour and a quarter apiece.

Spain’s world No. 2 Alcaraz continued the solid defence of his title here, running down Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-3.

It was the same story for Australian Open winner Sinner, who beat German Jan-Lennard Struff champion 6-3, 6-4.

The Italian who owns 2024 titles in Melbourne and Rotterdam, is on a 17-match win streak dating to the Davis Cup final last November.

Alcaraz rated his quick victory “almost perfect” as he won his eighth straight match at the tournament.

“It was almost the perfect match for me,” said the Wimbledon champion, who broke four times.  “I moved well, played aggressive and had less mistakes.

Sinner advanced with 27 against Struff, who provided the perfect target for the third seed’s passing shots

“We prepared very well, I tried to learn his moves,” Sinner said. “I played well and served well under pressure. Overall I can be really happy about today, I felt really good on the court..”

Alcaraz repeated a win over Canadian Auger-Aliassime from the 2023 quarter-finals here. .

Alcaraz is in need of match play after winning his last title at Wimbledon eight months ago and rolling his ankle just days ago in Rio.

“I played at a really high level of tennis, so much higher than the first round,” the Spaniard said. “Hopefully (I’ll) keep climbing (raising) my level.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner with Norman Brooks trophy after winning Australian Open 2024 – by ISF Ltd