Top seed Carlos Alcaraz ousted Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday to book an Indian Wells semi-final place against Jannik Sinner after the Italian knocked out defending champion Taylor Fritz 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Alcaraz got off to a flying start, forcing the Canadian to save four break points before landing an inch-perfect forehand winner to break for a 3-2 lead in the opening set. Auger-Aliassime grew into the match in the second set as the pair traded early breaks but Alcaraz was able to ramp up the pressure and take a 5-4 lead following an errant backhand from his opponent.
The 19-year-old Spaniard served out the set to secure a first win over Auger-Aliassime and make the semi-finals of the tournament for a second straight year.
Iga vs Rybakina
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina survived a stern test from Czech Karolina Muchova before advancing 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-4. She will face Iga Swiatek in the semi-final after the world No.1 rolled past Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 6-3.