INDIAN WELLS, March 12 — Carlos Alcaraz reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals for a fifth straight year with a sparkling 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Casper Ruud yesterday, extending his perfect start to 2026.

World number one Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy in the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 in the California desert in 2023 and 2024, was untouchable in the first set, conjuring winners of every angle to every corner of the court.