Indian Wells 2024 Final: Alcaraz (2) vs Medvedev (4)

[Rattie]

A repeat of last years match which to most is unexpected given Sinner’s win streak and Carlos being out of sorts for some time now. However, here we are with Alcaraz back to winning ways this month and Daniil coming through without having to face Djokovic.

NB. As there were a couple of grumbles over the timing of the poll closing in the Sinner/Alcaraz semi I’ve left the poll open until after the match finishes No cheating, I’ll do a count just before the final starts

 

[Rattie]

Ooops I’ve ranked Medvedev at 3, instead of 4. I’ve asked the mods to correct it, so don’t jump on me

 

[ppma]

Hoping to see Medvedev running all across the court in every direction and being forced to return from close to the base line. It was so fun the last time.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I hope to see a great battle but I think alcaraz will smoke meddy in straight sets here. I watched both highlights and Alcaraz is playing at a much better level.

Alcaraz in 2 and I see him defending his crown. He loves these slower hard courts and it bodes well for his clay season chances too.

 

[neytron]

Never underestimate Medvedev, but people don't learn. His best match here was the only one that was daytime, against Dimitrov. The final will also be in the daytime. It will not be easy for Alcaraz and I will not be surprised by Medvedev's win.

 

[Rattie]

Never underestimate Medvedev, but people don't learn. His best match here was the only one that was daytime, against Dimitrov. The final will also be in the daytime. It will not be easy for Alcaraz and I will not be surprised by Medvedev's win.

I don’t underestimate him at all. I well remember the USO semi when everyone seemed to be handing Alcaraz the win before play started.

 

[TheSlicer]

Never underestimate Medvedev, but people don't learn. His best match here was the only one that was daytime, against Dimitrov. The final will also be in the daytime. It will not be easy for Alcaraz and I will not be surprised by Medvedev's win.

Last years final was also day time... But i agree, i dont feel its gonna be easy and i think Carlos has to Up his level from the semis to be able to win, i like medvedev a lot, he is an incredible and unique player, on a given day he can beat anyone as he has proven, nothing is for granted thats for sure, and even after sinner match, and being an alcaraz fan, i still dont see him at the same level as last year

 

[neytron]

Last years final was also day time

Last year it was at 17:00, this year at 15:00. And this year I think the conditions are faster, possibly because of the balls.

 

[tudwell]

I’ll go Alcaraz in three. Definitely not underestimating the Russian after last year’s US Open, but I do feel the court and conditions favor Alcaraz a bit more.

 

[ChaelAZ]

I expect Meddy will be running and leaving it all on the court, but we've seen how that plays out in this match up. But, if Alcz even falters a little, like struggles on 1st serve (though he looks to have really improved in placement and pace), Med could capitalize.

 

[Rattie]

Alcaraz goes into this the favourite and although Medvedev is more than capable of causing an upset, I feel it’s less likely to happen this time.
Alcaraz leads the H2H 3-2 but I would ignore Daniil’s victory at their first encounter when Carlos was a WC who had just turned 17.
Since then It’s 3-1 Alcaraz and their meeting in the final of IW23 was a pretty routine win for him, He also beat Med in straights at the Indoor finals, their most recent meeting. Daniil hasn’t exactly been overly impressive during this tournament either.
Hoping Carlos lifts his first trophy of 2024

 

[Kralingen]

Don’t mug this up, kid. Give this clown the beating he deserves just like last year.

 

[Move]

A repeat of last years match which to most is unexpected given Sinner’s win streak and Carlos being out of sorts for some time now. However, here we are with Alcaraz back to winning ways this month and Daniil coming through without having to face Djokovic.

NB. As there were a couple of grumbles over the timing of the poll closing in the Sinner/Alcaraz semi I’ve left the poll open until after the match finishes No cheating, I’ll do a count just before the final starts

Thanks & great work as usual with tournament threads

 

[GAS]

These are my 2 favorite players and have very contrasting styles. Med needs a faster court and his serve to be working well to bother Carlitos. I got Carlitos in 2.

 

[Mainad]

Rerun of last year's final. Will Meddy get his revenge? Methinks not.

 

[Dropshot777]

Rerun of last year's final. Will Meddy get his revenge? Methinks not.

Medvedev might win, never underestimate him. If he plays like he did against Rune or Dimitrov, you never know.

 

[The Blond Blur]

Probably going to be a repeat of last year tbh.

 

[James P]

Rooting for 7th unique Masters, 21st unique title run. Let's go!!

 

[TheGoldenEra1990’s]

I’ll say med in 3. It’s easy to forget about med but he’s playing awesome tennis this year and it’s a best of 3. He may have very well won the AO if he didn’t physically gas out. He had sinner on the ropes there. So his level is good enough this year obviously

 

[Walrus Gumball]

Never underestimate Medvedev, but people don't learn. His best match here was the only one that was daytime, against Dimitrov. The final will also be in the daytime. It will not be easy for Alcaraz and I will not be surprised by Medvedev's win.

I wonder if wind will be a factor. If so I think it favors Meddy

 

[Walrus Gumball]

These are my 2 favorite players and have very contrasting styles. Med needs a faster court and his serve to be working well to bother Carlitos. I got Carlitos in 2.

If it’s windy who do you think that helps?

 

[TheGoldenEra1990’s]

…..

 

[GAS]

If it’s windy who do you think that helps?

Med is the king of frustration with court conditions

 

[neytron]

I’ll say med in 3. It’s easy to forget about med but he’s playing awesome tennis this year and it’s a best of 3. He may have very well won the AO if he didn’t physically gas out. He had sinner on the ropes there. So his level is good enough this year obviously

If he had played awesome tennis, he wouldn't have been gassed in the AO final. He's been very inconsistent this year, but winning matches mentally. Against Alcaraz he needs consistency and good serve.

 

[weakera]

Alcaraz in 2

 

[socallefty]

I heard they sped up the court (Haas interview) a bit and also the men are using RD balls instead of XD this year so that they can hit through the court more. So, the conditions may not be as skewed in favor of Alcaraz as it was last year when he humiliated Medvedev and made his deep court position look silly with net approaches and drop shots.

One would assume that Medvedev learned his lesson that he has to play differently this year against Carlos. Hoping for a closer match although I would not mind watching another humiliating bludgeoning if Medvedev plays back again - go medieval on him, Carlos!

 

[BeatlesFan]

I think Carlos takes this in straights. Serve wide, come in and volley short. Repeat 50 times and dispense breadsticks. I hope Carlos ruthlessly exposes the boring, one-dimensional game of Mr. Octopus. Save humanity, Carltos!

 

[ALCARAZWON]

This totally sets up the clay season for Alcaraz, he's going to smoke the field (except for Nadal of course).

 

[Vincent-C]

Meddy in three is my call- though my picks have been wretched all tournament. ,

 

[Impetus]

I watched both highlights and Alcaraz is playing at a much better level.

I can't judge anything from highlights. It's just the best points.

What I mainly learn from is everything that goes on between points. How players behave, how they use the box, their mental state of mind, if they have minor injuries, the psychological games they play with each other, how they look physically etc.

 

[Hitman]

I would be very surprised if this is anything other than an Alcaraz win.

Credit to Medvedev, he complains this is his worst HC, yet he has made back to back finals here....meaning it suits him pretty well regardless.

 

[Vamos Carlos Alcaraz]

I am so hoping Carlos will be lifting the trophy in a few hours time! I think he will win and am certainly predicting it but Med is tenacious and really good on hard courts. Still, I do think Carlos will win it, hopefully in two sets! Best wishes, Carlitos!

 

[TheSlicer]

no way carlos wins, the height difference is too big, look here:

 

[Kralingen]

I want this evil waste of oxygen pulverized and humiliated. After his behavior this tournament I’m not holding back. F him and his bullying and deceitfulness.

I want him questioning why he even decided to pick up a racket in the first place. I want his entire personality, approach to tennis, and legacy demolished.

In short, I want a repeat of last year.

 

[Hitman]

I want this evil waste of oxygen pulverized and humiliated. After his behavior this tournament I’m not holding back. F him and his bullying and deceitfulness.

I want him questioning why he even decided to pick up a racket in the first place. I want his entire personality, approach to tennis, and legacy demolished.

In short, I want a repeat of last year.

wow

 

[GAS]

Players riding the golf cart!

 

[GAS]

I want this evil waste of oxygen pulverized and humiliated. After his behavior this tournament I’m not holding back. F him and his bullying and deceitfulness.

I want him questioning why he even decided to pick up a racket in the first place. I want his entire personality, approach to tennis, and legacy demolished.

In short, I want a repeat of last year.

How much did you have on Med that one time you lost a ton of money?

 

[brinkeguthrie]

I just wish this was on ESPN. What, the event isn't big enough? SMH

 

[Razer]

I want this evil waste of oxygen pulverized and humiliated. After his behavior this tournament I’m not holding back. F him and his bullying and deceitfulness.

I want him questioning why he even decided to pick up a racket in the first place. I want his entire personality, approach to tennis, and legacy demolished.

In short, I want a repeat of last year.

Lol you dislike Medvedev a lot ...

 

[BeatlesFan]

Players on court! Perfect weather, no wind, 72 degrees, no chance of rain.

Dear Carlos:
The world is depending on you to take out the trash today. Do your duty and slay this vicious, mocking, one-dimensional, rude bully. Put Med in his proper place for the sake of humanity.

Thanks and Love,

All True Tennis Fans on the Planet

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Don’t mug this up, kid. Give this clown the beating he deserves just like last year.

Alcaraz is going to be like Lefty's Fleetwood Brougham. Beatings will be handy out to the Medcedes.

 

[Impetus]

I want this evil waste of oxygen pulverized and humiliated. After his behavior this tournament I’m not holding back. F him and his bullying and deceitfulness.

I want him questioning why he even decided to pick up a racket in the first place. I want his entire personality, approach to tennis, and legacy demolished.

In short, I want a repeat of last year.

It's not just how he behaved this tournament.

I'm quite sure he was checking out your wife.. And it wasn't the clothes he liked.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Oh great, Lahyani is in the chair.

 

[Hitman]

Medvedev has not won a title since Rome, Alcaraz has not won a title since Wimbledon.

The draught will end for one of them today.

Since Rome, Medvedev has made the finals of

USO - lost to Djokovic
Beijing - lost to Sinner
Vienna - lost to Sinner
AO - lost to Sinner

Since Wimbledon, Alcaraz made the final of

Cincinnati - lost to Djokovic

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Karl has his moments. But overall, we've had a good relationship here.

 

[Vincent-C]

So tiny takes the first set, then what happens?

 

[Poisoned Slice]

So tiny takes the first set, then what happens?

He takes the second.

 

[Razer]

So tiny takes the first set, then what happens?

Then he takes the second too.

 

[BeatlesFan]

So tiny takes the first set, then what happens?

Tiny takes the second set, hopefully in a bagel.

 

[ultimathule]

I think Meddy will make it interesting. But sheer talent (Alcaraz) won't be denied.