The Spanish tennis star beat Denis Shapovalov at the tournament on Monday (10.03.25) and was amused by the enthusiastic supporters clad in yellow and black - a reference to the insect invasion at the event last year.

Alcaraz told reporters: "It is funny because it helped me a lot.

"During the whole first set, I was looking at them and laughing. And I always say that when I am laughing, when I am having fun on the court, I show good tennis.

"So [it’s] probably thanks to them [that] I could show good tennis. I didn't realise until the second game, the camera put them on the screen. So it was funny. I took a selfie with them at the end, because I think they deserve it."

Alcaraz is searching for his third straight triumph at Indian Wells and credits changes he has made to his racquet for his impressive performances in California.

The world number three said: "I was looking for some specific moments of the match of shots that I thought I was able to improve my game a little bit. When I was running or some specific shots. I felt really good playing with those five grams more. I felt the ball. It was flying. So I just started to play with it, and I think it was a great change for me.

"I can control it. The ball is totally the same, but it feels like when I hit it, when I hit it well, it goes stronger. I think, for the opponent, it is more difficult to control it. That’s my feeling."

Alcaraz was delighted with his display against Shapovalov, who had been in good form heading into the tournament.

The four-time Grand Slam winner said: "I'm just really pleased about my performance today, about everything I have done. I knew at the beginning of the match that I had to be really focused. I had to start the match really strong, knowing it was going to be a really tough battle. Just really happy that I was able to do it."