Alcaraz Triumphs Over Norrie, Clinches Fifth Straight Semi-Final at Indian Wells
World No. 1 continues to assert dominance, next up: Medvedev
March 13, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz eyes his ninth ATP Masters 1000 title, striving for a third in Indian Wells.
By Grant Thompson
Carlos Alcaraz has extended his impressive winning streak to 16 matches, making it to his fifth consecutive semi-final at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday.
The top seed claimed victory with a score of 6-3, 6-4 against Cameron Norrie, avenging his defeat to the Brit last November in Paris.
“I always find it challenging to play against him,” Alcaraz shared during his on-court interview about Norrie. “His playing style can be really puzzling for me, with that heavy topspin forehand and a flat backhand. I had to find my rhythm. I’m pleased with how I maintained my level.”
WHAT A SHOT 😤 @BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/c6hnCe4qk6
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 13, 2026
Throughout the match, Alcaraz and Norrie exchanged momentum, but the Spaniard largely held the advantage. The opening set saw three service breaks within the last four games. Norrie surged ahead with a 2-0 lead in the second set, only for Alcaraz to respond with four consecutive games. The 22-year-old generated 10 break point opportunities, converting four, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats.
With a blend of explosive groundstrokes, crafty drop shots, and exceptional net play, the World No. 1 clinched the match with his fourth match point after one hour and 33 minutes.
“In tennis, making the right shot choice happens in a split second,” noted Alcaraz, who had 19 forehand winners. “Sometimes I miss because I don’t pick the best option. My mind races with different possibilities, making it tricky at times.”
By securing this win, Alcaraz joins an elite group of players who have made it to five consecutive Indian Wells semi-finals, alongside legends Rafael Nadal (2006-2013) and Novak Djokovic (2011-2016).
Alcaraz leads his rivalry with Norrie with a 6-3 record. As he transitions to the semi-finals, he looks to improve his record against Daniil Medvedev, with whom he holds a 6-2 head-to-head advantage. The two have met in final matches before, with Alcaraz claiming victory in both 2023 and 2024.
