ALCARAZ RULES THE DESERT AGAIN: BACK-TO-BACK INDIAN WELLS CROWNS FOR CARLOS AND IGA

Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday, March 17, 2024, beating Daniil Medvedev 7-6(5), 6-1 in a rematch of the previous year’s Indian Wells final. The Spaniard needed one hour and 42 minutes to lift the trophy once more.

The first set was a tight, physical battle that went to a tiebreak, but once Alcaraz edged it, the momentum swung decisively. He raced through the second set, dropping just one game, to claim his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title and the 13th tour-level trophy of his career.

The result carried extra weight. It was Alcaraz’s first title since his Wimbledon triumph in July 2023, and it arrived only weeks after he twisted his ankle in Rio de Janeiro. On the way to the final he also ended Jannik Sinner’s unbeaten start to 2024, which had reached 16 wins, in the semifinals. Alcaraz became the first man to win Indian Wells in consecutive years since Novak Djokovic’s run from 2014 to 2016.

The women’s draw also produced a familiar champion. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek overpowered Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-0 in the final, repeating her 2022 win over the Greek in the same match-up. Swiatek was dominant all week, conceding only 21 games across six matches, and lifted her 2024 record to 20-2.

Both champions took home $1.1 million, and both left the California desert as clear favourites for the clay and grass seasons ahead.

Source: ATP Tour, NBC Sports

Archive recap, added to WTC News in 2026.