Alcaraz Reflects on Medvedev Loss: ‘I’ve Never Witnessed Daniil Play Like This’
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz comes to terms with his first loss of 2026
March 15, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz acknowledges the Indian Wells audience after a remarkable match.
By ATP Staff
Carlos Alcaraz faced his inaugural defeat of the season on Saturday during the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open. While the Spanish star aimed to extend his flawless 16-0 record for 2026, he didn’t hesitate to applaud the skill of his rival, Daniil Medvedev.
“I must credit Daniil. He played a phenomenal match,” Alcaraz remarked. “From the first point to the last, he was simply exceptional. Honestly, I’ve never seen Daniil play like this before.”
“He absolutely deserved this victory today. He’s earned his spot in the final, and I extend my congratulations to him.”
The reigning champion of both the Australian Open and Doha, Alcaraz noted that despite the pressure of maintaining his winning streak, he felt no external burdens.
“I don’t go into matches thinking, ‘I must win’,” he explained. “It’s more about pursuing my goals and sticking to the plan I’ve laid out before each tournament. That’s where my focus lies, so I don’t let the expectations of others affect me.”
At just 22, Alcaraz’s straight-sets loss is more a testament to Medvedev’s exceptional form than it is a reflection on his own play. The seasoned player, previously ranked No. 1, has been on a hot streak, winning 18 straight sets since claiming the Dubai title.
“His relentless aggression caught me off guard. I anticipated an aggressive start, but the intensity he maintained was surprising; he rarely missed the mark,” Alcaraz said, smiling. “He played tough, and his precision was impressive. It was challenging.”
In the sweltering California heat, Medvedev’s baseline strategy seemed to outlast Alcaraz, compelling him to expend maximum energy in pursuit of each point. Alcaraz managed a significant break early in the second set and had two set points, but was unable to level the match.
“In the second set, I began to feel more comfortable. I recognized what I had to do and accepted the necessity of battling through,” Alcaraz shared. “That’s why I was more competitive in that set.”
Alcaraz leaves Indian Wells with a commendable 16-1 record this season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Despite his desire for a trophy this ATP Masters 1000 event, he still has much to celebrate.
“I’m a bit disappointed at the moment, but I also see the positives in this setback,” Alcaraz reflected. “It shows players and fans that they need to bring their A-game to face me, which can ultimately work in my favor.”
“I’ve been showcasing great tennis, and I’ve proven that if one wishes to defeat me, they must perform at their peak level for an hour and a half to two hours in every match.”
