(Indian Wells) Carlos Alcaraz, world No.2, did not have to force his talent to advance to the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, taking advantage of Jack Draper’s (56th) retirement from injury, while that he was leading 6-1, 2-0 Tuesday night in California.

The Briton complained of pain in his right flank, bringing in the physio at the start of the second set. He tried to continue this one-sided game in favor of the Spaniard, but the pain was too strong and he gave up.

“It’s a shame that Jack has to step down. No one wants to win this way, no one wishes harm on anyone. The most important thing is to be healthy and I think he did well,” commented Alcaraz.

In the Californian desert, where he was only stopped in the semi-finals last year by Rafael Nadal, the prodigy from Murcia is aiming for a double blow, since winning the tournament would allow him to return to the world throne, occupied by Novak Djokovic , prevented from participating in the event because not vaccinated against COVID-19.

On his way, in the quarters, will stand the American Tommy Paul (19th) or the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (10th).