- What: Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz - Indian Wells semifinals
- When: Friday, March 15th, time TBD
- Where: Indian Wells, California
We're into the last four of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, also known as the Indian Wells Open. In one of the semifinals, two of the best young players in the world will go toe to toe as Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner faces Carlos Alcaraz. The time for this match to start is still TBD, but it should be highly entertaining because both are extremely athletic and skilled. Sinner took down Jiri Lehecka in straight sets in the quarterfinals, 6-3, 6-3. Alcaraz also cruised in the last eight, getting revenge on Alexander Zverev, who beat him in Melbourne. Continue reading for the Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, check out the best online tennis betting sites and the best Wimbledon bets of 2024.
Sinner vs Alcaraz Odds
The odds for this match aren't out quite yet, but you can expect Sinner to potentially be a slim favorite over the Spaniard. Head-to-head meetings have favored the Italian as he's 4-3 against Alcaraz in seven all-time meetings. Sinner beat Alcaraz in the semis in Beijing and Miami last year.
Sinner Off to a Hot Start
Currently the No.3 ranked player in the world, Sinner is really coming into his own in 2024 thus far. He's a perfect 16-0 including his first Grand Slam title at Melbourne and a title in Rotterdam. Along the way, the Italian has taken out some massive names including Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, and Daniil Medvedev in the Aussie Open final. While many hail Alcaraz as the one youngster who could conquer the tour for years to come, Sinner is right there and more than capable, too.
Sinner hasn't dropped a set in Indian Wells, beating Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jan-Lennard Struff, Ben Shelton, and Lehecka all in straight sets. Shelton took him to a tie-breaker in one set, but that's about it. The 22-year-old is in the form of his life. Sinner played clean tennis against Lehecka, committing just 13 unforced errors to 35 for the Czech. He came up with some big shots in key moments and has now won 36 of his last 38 matches.
At this point, nothing is stopping Sinner and he's now going for his third consecutive title here. But, first, the Italian will be focused on eliminating Alcaraz, who is the reigning champion at Indian Wells and a very difficult opponent. He'll also be searching for his second ATP 1000 win in a row, taking home the trophy in Toronto last August.
Alcaraz Finding His Footing
Unlike Sinner, Alcaraz hasn't gotten off to the greatest start in 24'. He suffered an injury in Brazil, lost in the semifinals down in Argentina, and bowed out in the quarterfinals at the Aussie Open at the hands of Zverev. Alcaraz owns a 6-3 record on the year, which isn't exactly what we're used to seeing from the Spaniard. But after losing his first set at Indian Wells, Alcaraz has won every single one since, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Round of 32 and as previously mentioned, getting back at Zverev with a straight sets win in the quarters on Thursday.
Alcaraz broke the German four times and has now won 10 straight matches at Indian Wells. The No. 2 ranked player in the world looks to be finding his form in the California desert and definitely has something to prove against Sinner, a guy who has bested him more often than not. Alcaraz is still looking for his first title of the calendar year and this would truly be the perfect time to get one.
2023 was a historic season for the 20-year-old, compiling a 65-12 record, collecting six titles, and earning more than $10 million. That included a victory at Wimbledon where Alcaraz beat Djokovic in an absolute marathon of a match. The Spaniard was extremely consistent on Thursday against Zverev with countless forehand winners and big serves and he'll need to bring his absolute best once again when he takes on Sinner. It should be a good one.
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz Picks
Powerful serves, long rallies, and some wild ball tracking is what we will see on Friday between these two elite athletes. But, I have to go with the player who is on fire right now and that's Sinner. Although the odds aren't available, the Italian is the best pick when they're released.
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