Carlos Alcaraz Continues Unbeaten Streak at BNP Paribas Open
Carlos Alcaraz has solidified his status as a dominant force in tennis by defeating Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-2 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. This victory marks another step in Alcaraz’s impressive journey as he remains undefeated in 2026, having won all 13 matches he has played this year.
As the No. 1 seed in the BNP Paribas Open, Alcaraz faced Rinderknech, who was seeded 26th. The match lasted two hours and 27 minutes, showcasing Alcaraz’s resilience and skill on the court. Following this win, he is set to face Casper Ruud in the fourth round, a matchup that promises to be highly competitive.
Alcaraz’s flawless start to the 2026 season has drawn attention not only for his victories but also for the potential to break records. He has already claimed titles at both the Australian Open and the Qatar Open this year, further cementing his position at the top of the sport. The all-time record for the longest unbeaten start to an ATP season is held by Novak Djokovic, who won 41 consecutive matches. Alcaraz now needs to win 28 more matches to surpass this remarkable achievement.
In a recent statement, Alcaraz acknowledged the pressure that comes with being the top seed, saying, “I feel like I have a target on my back, and I feel like if they don’t play that kind of tennis they can’t win.” This sentiment reflects the challenges he faces as opponents aim to dethrone him from his current position.
Alcaraz’s journey has not been without its challenges. He expressed some fatigue regarding the expectations placed upon him, quipping, “To be honest, I just sometimes get tired about playing Roger Federer every round.” This comment highlights the intense scrutiny and high stakes that accompany his matches.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is focused on maintaining his momentum. He stated, “The main thing is to stay there all the time, try to win my serve game, try to put pressure on his serve games, and let’s see what’s going to happen.” His strategic mindset will be crucial as he prepares for the upcoming match against Ruud.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Alcaraz can continue his unbeaten streak and potentially rewrite the record books. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how far he can go in this tournament and the season ahead.
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