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Carlos Alcaraz’s rocky 2025 season hit another stumbling block at Indian Wells, where British rising star Jack Draper stunned the World No. 3 in a gritty semifinal clash. The Spaniard, who has struggled to replicate his 2024 dominance this year, crashed out of the tournament despite cruising through the earlier rounds without dropping a set. After a rollercoaster 1-6, 6-0, 4-6 defeat, Alcaraz—whose lone title this season came at Rotterdam—refused to dwell on disappointment.
Instead, he channeled his trademark fighting spirit into a bold warning for Draper, signaling this rivalry is far from over.
“Can’t wait for the revenge”: Carlos Alcaraz’s fiery response to semifinal heartbreak
Alcaraz’s message was short, sharp, and dripping with determination. Taking to social media post-match, the two-time Grand Slam champion wrote:
“Can’t wait for the revenge. Good luck in the final.”
The remark, equal parts gracious and gritty, underscored his refusal to let one loss define his season.
The semifinal itself was a tale of extremes. Carlos Alcaraz blitzed Draper 6-1 in the opener, showcasing the explosive shotmaking that’s made him a fan favorite. But the Brit flipped the script in the second set, bageling the Spaniard 6-0 with relentless aggression. A tense decider saw Draper edge ahead, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors to seal the biggest win of his career.
For Alcaraz, the defeat stung deeper given his flawless run to the semifinals. Earlier, he’d dropped just 19 games across four matches, dispatching rivals like Daniil Medvedev with ease. Yet Draper’s physicality and clutch serving—he saved 8 of 9 break points—proved too much to handle.
Why this loss matters:
Season Struggles: With early exits at the Australian Open and Qatar Open, Alcaraz’s 2025 lacks the consistency of his breakout years.
Draper’s Rise: The 22-year-old Brit, once overshadowed by Andy Murray’s legacy, is now a legitimate threat on big stages.
Revenge Narrative: Carlos Alcaraz’s vow sets the stage for a fiery rematch, possibly at upcoming clay-court tournaments.
Alcaraz’s response reveals more than competitive fire—it’s a strategic mindset. By publicly calling for a rematch, he shifts focus from his slump to future clashes, keeping fans hooked. For Draper, the win is a career milestone, but Alcaraz’s warning is a reminder: beating him once doesn’t break his aura.
As Draper prepares to face Holger Rune in the Indian Wells final, Carlos Alcaraz’s message lingers. Whether their paths cross next on clay in Monte Carlo or grass at Wimbledon, one thing’s certain: the Spaniard won’t let this defeat go unanswered.
