Alcaraz says he's getting better after reaching Indian Wells quarter-final. File Photo Alcaraz says he's getting better after reaching Indian Wells quarter-final. File Photo

Carlos Alcaraz feels he is "getting better and better" after easing into the Indian Wells quarter-final with a straight-sets win over Grigor Dimitrov. (More Sports News)

The Spaniard lost just six games in overcoming Quentin Halys and Denis Shapovalov and had little trouble overcoming Dimitrov 6-1 6-1.

In windy conditions, Alcaraz needed just 74 minutes to advance on Stadium 1 and set up a last-eight clash with Francisco Cerundolo.

Dimitrov was aiming to become the second player, after Felix Auger-Aliassime, to beat his 21-year-old opponent three times in a row.

However, Alcaraz broke Dimitrov's break of serve in the opening game and did so twice more to take the opening set.

Alcaraz did not look back, breaking Dimitrov twice more in the second set and booking his quarter-final spot with his 20th winner of the contest.

The world number three also saved all three break points and has now been broken just once on eight break points this tournament.

55.6 - Since 1990, Carlos Alcaraz (55.6%, 15/27) trails only four players for QFs reached from ATP Masters 1000 main draws entered – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Stefan Edberg. Crazy.#TennisParadise | @BNPPARIBASOPEN @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/VO3tcENBq1

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) March 13, 2025

"It's really difficult playing against Grigor," Alcaraz said. "He's a really talented player. He can do whatever he wants with the ball.

"Today with the conditions,66br Cassinos Online Brasil it was really tough for both. I had to survive. I always say in these conditions, you have to survive no matter what. 

"I'm very happy that I was able to play long rallies. I got a good rhythm, even with the conditions, so I'm just really happy to get through."

Cerundolo awaits next after beating Alex de Minaur 7-5 6-3, with the Argentine proving to be a tough opponent for top-10 players.

"I've watched his matches. I know he's playing great," Alcaraz said. "He's a really complete player, who can play good tennis on every surface. 

"I think I'm getting better and better. I love Indian Wells, I love this court. So I'm just ready to take the challenge."

World number four Taylor Fritz failed to progress from his last-16 tie earlier on Wednesday, losing 7-5 6-4 to Jack Draper.

Ben Shelton is up next for Draper after the American's straight-sets win over compatriot Brandon Nakashima.

Data Debrief: Another quarter-final for Alcaraz

Alcaraz is into his 15th ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final from a total of 27 main draws entered, giving him a return of 55.6 per cent.

That is a figure only four others – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Stefan Edberg – can better.

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Alcaraz's 15 consecutive Indian Wells wins are also now the third-most behind Djokovic (19) and Federer (18).oijogos