Two-time BNP Paribas Open champion Carlos Alcaraz set off his campaign at Tennis Paradise, notching a statement 6-4, 6-2 win over world No. 59 Quentin Halys in just 67 minutes.
In his on-court interview, the four-time major winner said: βItβs slow, the ball bounces a lot, the conditions are pretty good for me. I just love playing here. I feel at home, really calm off the court. The fans have always been good to me, so I appreciate that love and support. Everything here suits me and my game.β
βIβm really happy to get through and start the title defense.β
The second seed hit first, showcasing a dominant display to go the distance, closing out 6-4 in 41 minutes.
The Spaniard took the early lead by breaking in the third game and never looked back, firing 12 winners against 17 unforced errors.
Moreover, he continues to improve behind his serve, winning 93 percent of the points on his first delivery.
Building upon momentum, the Murcia-born broke twice, racing through a 4-0 advantage to start the second set on fire in front of a packed Stadium 1 on Saturday afternoon.
Down a double break, the in-form Frenchman, who reached the semifinals in Dubai, saw his turnaround efforts cut short with Alcaraz holding at love, consolidating a 5-1 lead before serving for the match.
Clinical on serve - he won 95 percent of the points on his first service - the two-time champion wrapped up the second set 6-2 with a solid performance to continue his title defense at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
He hit 24 winners against 18 unforced errors compared to Halys 7 and 11 respectively.
In addition, he converted three of five break-point opportunities.
In the third round, the 21-year-old will face 27th seed Denis Shapovalov, who beat Australian Adam Walton in straight sets after 69 minutes.
They will meet for the second time on tour at Indian Wells, their first encounter on the hard court surface.
The in-form Canadian player won his biggest career title in Dallas last February, defeating three Top 10 players, including world No. 5 Casper Ruud in the final.