(Indian Wells) Carlos Alcaraz, world No.2, winner 6-4, 6-4 of Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime (10th), Thursday, qualified for the semi-finals of the Indian Wells tournament, where he will face the Italian Jannik Sinner (13th).

This reunion between two of the best representatives of the “next gen” (new generation) of tennis, will be the first since their Homeric duel which turned in favor of the Spaniard in the quarter-finals of the United States Open last year , at the end of the night and 5:15 a.m. of an exceptional struggle. The two men have two victories each after four confrontations.

In the meantime, Alcaraz had a score to settle and a gap to reduce against Auger-Aliassime, who had beaten him three times in as many games so far.

And he tried to do it properly from the start of the game, dictating his rhythm in the exchange, without ever being worried about his service games, after having broken at 3-2 on his fifth opportunity.

Set in his pocket, the 19-year-old Spaniard, excelling in defense on several occasions with his crazy runs, again made the opposing commitment at the start of the second inning. But Auger-Aliassime immediately fought back, doubling his power in his shots, finally managing to corner his rival to better unbreak (1-1).

Match revived the time a few games, during which each ensured on his service. Until 4-4, when Alcaraz, again sharp and offensive, created two break points, saved thanks to a first ball found at the right time by “FAA”.

The third was the good one for the stubborn Iberian, who did not miss the opportunity to finish with a pile of 2 hours.

Here he is for the second year in a row in the last four. But the Spaniard obviously aims much better, because if he wins the tournament, he will take back the throne of world N.1.