The loss of Rafa Nadal was, without a doubt, the big news of the first day of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, but not the only one.
The tournament saw a day marked by rain and the disputing of half of the matches in the first round, with the winners facing off in the second round with the main favorite for the title.
One of them is the current champion, Carlos Alcaraz, who will make his debut on Friday (schedule to be confirmed) against Italian Matteo Arnaldinumber 40 in the world ranking, defeating Frenchman Luca Van Assche this Wednesday 7-6(6) and 7-6(3).
Arnaldi, 23, won a two-hour, eight-minute battle against Van Assche after coming back from breaks down in the first and second sets.
Alcaraz, number two in the world and defending champion, He already faces Arnaldi at the 2023 US Openwhen he won 6-3, 6-3 and 6-4.
The Murcian arrives in Indian Wells after pulling out of the Rio tournament with an ankle problemalthough he reappeared in unofficial matches with a victory over compatriot Rafa Nadal on Sunday in Las Vegas.
For its part, another big favorite at the bottom of the draw, Jannik Sinner will face Australian Thanasi Kokkinakiswho defeated American Marcos Giron 6-3, 7-5.
On the WTA circuit, Sara Sorribes, world number 50, lost 6-1 6-1 in an hour and a quarter to Czech Marie Bouzkova, number 40 in the world ranking. The Spaniard held just one turn on serve and lost for the second time in four previous matches against this rival.
In addition to Nadal, Paula Badosa lost the tournamentchampion in 2021, who resigned due to injury hours after her debut against Ashlyn Krueger.
“I am sorry to have to withdraw from my favorite tournament. I tried everything to play, but it wasn’t enough. “I’m struggling with injuries, but I’m fighting every day to get back as soon as possible,” wrote Badosa, champion of this tournament in 2021, on his Instagram account.
“I want to thank the fans who continue to support me, especially in the last year. I’m sorry I didn’t give you what you expected from me and I only gave you bad news lately. “I want to thank the tournament for the invitation letter, you are the best tournament in the world,” he added.
Badosa has not competed since February 19 in Dubai, when she lost to Swiss Lulu Sun.
Source: La Verdad
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