Alcaraz appeals to the spirit of comebacks against Rinderknech

Pedro de Pablos | 10 Mar 2026 | 03.02

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Carlos Alcaraz has really struggled to reach the round of 16 at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 2026. The Spanish tennis player defeated a resilient Arthur Rinderknech by 6-7(6) 6-3 6-2, after two hours and 15 minutes of a match that raised concerns with an ankle twist that fortunately did not turn into a major issue.

Rinderknech played his cards very well and put the pressure on the Spanish player, even going a set and a break up. However, the world number one showed the champion's spirit that characterizes him and managed to come back against an opponent who barely imposed rhythm, shortening the points and approaching the net excellently. A strategy that worked perfectly until Alcaraz raised the bar and imposed his game to advance to the next round.

Rinderknech takes the first set in the tiebreak

The match started with both players strong on serve, and surprisingly it was Rinderknech who first posed a threat to Alcaraz with a break point in his favor in the fourth game of the match. However, the world number one hit an ace at the crucial moment to save the situation. At 3-3, it was the Spanish player who had a 15-40 opportunity, but this time Arthur played aggressively and managed to save the game by being bold at the net.

Rinderknech's strategy was clear: shorten the points as much as possible and come to the net to disrupt Alcaraz's rhythm. This worked perfectly for the French player, to the point that he had another 15-40 at 4-3 in his favor, but once again Carlos pulled off a fantastic passing shot to level the score afterward. Numerous break points on both sides, but none converted until that moment.

The parity remained until the tiebreak, with Arthur executing his game plan superbly and pushing the world number one to his limits. In the tiebreak, Rinderknech took the lead, thanks to a double fault by Alcaraz and two exceptional returns that put him at 5-2 with two serves to come.

With the set nearly lost, the world number one unleashed his best shots to turn the tables in an epic manner, leading 6-5, securing four consecutive points, but mishit a forehand on set point, missing the opportunity. Rinderknech held his two serves and went up 7-6, closing the set to the surprise of everyone present. Alcaraz now had to fight back if he wanted to stay alive in the tournament.

Alcaraz wins the second set, but his ankle raises concerns

The second set began in the worst possible way for Alcaraz, as Rinderknech broke his serve in the first game, putting the Spanish player in a tough situation. The good news was that the lead didn't last long for the French player, as Carlos managed to get the break back in the following game, letting out a relieved scream heard throughout Spain. He even had another 15-40 opportunity in the next game, but again, Arthur relied on his serve to prevent a score gap.

Alcaraz started to hold his serves more comfortably, and each of the French player's service games meant a new break opportunity for the Spanish player. However, the break didn't materialize, and the match was heading into crucial games. Leading 3-2, Carlos missed another 15-40 chance, but eventually secured the long-awaited break at the third attempt. However, alarms were raised as he twisted his ankle, displaying noticeable signs of pain. Nonetheless, he closed the set by 6-3 to force a decider.

Alcaraz completes the comeback against Rinderknech

With the ankle twist behind him, Alcaraz started the third set at full throttle. He broke Rinderknech's serve in the opening game and confirmed the break to lead 2-0. From that point on, each game won meant a shout to his team by the Spanish player, who faced little trouble with his serve. Rinderknech's level dropped significantly due to fatigue, while Carlos began to feel the strokes much better.

As a result, Alcaraz secured another break that he immediately consolidated to go up 5-1, ultimately closing the match with a convincing 6-2. From a slow start to a strong finish, ending with positive feelings. Carlos has now secured 14 consecutive victories in 2026, remaining unbeaten and overcoming every challenge. In the round of 16 at Indian Wells, he will face Casper Ruud, an opponent who has only beaten him once in their six encounters.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz apela al espíritu de las remontadas ante Rinderknech

ATP