WATCH the Indian Wells Open LIVE in Australia on beIN SPORTS | Subscribe here today!

For the first time at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open, Alcaraz trailed by a break. In the second set of their quarter-final showdown, Cerundolo converted his ninth break chance as both players battled cool and windy conditions. Fully grooved on his ferocious forehand, the Argentine was poised to force a deciding set after holding for 4-1.

But like a prize fighter, Alcaraz came out swinging just as he appeared on the ropes. Turning on the style, Alcaraz quickly levelled at 4-4, sandwiching a break between two love holds with some of his best tennis of an up-and-down night. The heavy hitters traded blows the rest of the way, but Alcaraz left no doubt in the tie-break.

With his 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, the Spaniard's three-peat bid remains firmly on track.

"Today was about surviving," Alcaraz said. "Trying to get a good rhythm, a good pace to the match, trying to take the opportunities that he brought to me. I'm proud of everything I've done today."

Now on a 16-match Indian Wells winning streak, he will compete in his ninth ATP Masters 1000 semi-final (6-2) against Jack Draper, who is through to that stage for the first time at this prestigious level.

The 21 year-old Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest player to win three consecutive singles titles at any ATP Tour event — and just the third to do it at Indian Wells after Roger Federer (2004-06) and Novak Djokovic (2014-16).

Three-Peat Champions at the ATP Masters 1000s

In tricky conditions on Stadium 1, Alcaraz survived when he needed to and thrived at the crucial moments. He saved eight of nine break points and all six he faced in the opening set, while converting on two of his three break opportunities.

"Tennis is about getting the win," Alcaraz said. "It doesn't matter how you do it. You're not thinking about playing great tennis every match, every day. 

"These kind of matches, you have to get through with the level that you have that day. It's about good behaviour, mental strength, just to stay there all the time, trying to get a good rhythm. I didn't hit the ball as clear as yesterday, for example, but I just did what I had to, and that's what tennis is about."

By reaching the semi-finals, Alcaraz has moved within 165 points of Alexander Zverev for second place in the ATP Live Race To Turin. 

He can pass the German by reaching the final, but cannot move ahead of his rival this week in the ATP Rankings, even with the title.