The BNP Paribas Open will send 2026 into a higher gear. Which of the women could use a kick start of her own?

If winning is a habit, then No. 1 seed Carlos Alcaraz has fully settled into the routine. The 19-year-old was challenged frequently in his BNP Paribas Open third-round clash by Tallon Griekspoor on Monday, but he never quite looked in danger as he charged ahead to a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory.

The 2022 US Open champion needed just over an hour and 42 minutes on Stadium 1 to clinch the win, and reach a major milestone: Alcaraz claimed his 100th match win on the ATP Tour.

What’s even more impressive, Alcaraz has crossed the century club record after playing in just 132 matches. That makes him the second fastest to achieve the feat in Open era after John McEnroe (131), joining legends like Andre Agassi (135) and Rafael Nadal (137) on the list.

“A lot has happened since that first ATP win,” Alcaraz said afterward. “You know, I'm really proud of myself to have my 100th win on the tour in like 132 matches.

“I saw I was the second player in history with less matches to be able to get into 100 wins. I'm really proud of myself about that.”

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Should he clinch the title in Indian Wells, Alcaraz will secure his return to the ATP world No. 1 ranking.

To get there, Alcaraz first had to cool off the tricky Griekspoor. The Dutchman made a flying start as he kept pace with the former world No. 1, taking them to a tiebreaker. But the 19-year-old never panicked, instead finding some of his best form at the end of the first set and charging to a 3-0 start to the second set.

In a battle that featured the finest of margins, the biggest difference-maker came was the serve. Alcaraz won 72 percent of points played on his first and second serves, and he also saved both break points he faced. Alcaraz made just six unforced errors during the match and hit 13 winners, while Griekspoor’s 15 unforced errors led to his undoing.

Through to the fourth round, Alcaraz has booked a rematch with on-the-rise Brit, Jack Draper. It will be their second career meeting, with the Spaniard claiming a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over the 21-year-old on the indoor hardcourts of Basel in 2022.

“I know he's really good player,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “I mean, he's playing well. He has beaten great opponent like [Daniel] Evans and Andy [Murray].

“I know that I gonna have to play my best, give my 100% on court.”

Top seed Alcaraz, who lifted the Miami Open trophy last year, is looking for his third ATP Masters 1000 title at the BNP Paribas Open. Should he clinch the title in Indian Wells, Alcaraz will leapfrog Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings and secure his return to the world No. 1 spot.

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