There has been no shortage of buzz around Carlos Alcaraz since he first announced his talent to the tennis world, but never before has it been quite so literal.
The Spaniard’s quarter-final match against Alexander Zverev at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells will forever be remembered for a swarm of bees that interrupted play after just two games. Yet the bizarre scenes that followed, as the players scrambled for cover – and the chair umpire, Mohamed Lahyani, uttered the immortal line: “Ladies and gentlemen, play is suspended due to bee invasion” – threatened to obscure a more salient point. Alcaraz appears to be returning to his scintillating best.
It is no secret that the 20-year-old has struggled to recapture the form that earned him the Wimbledon title last summer. Only a few days ago he spoke openly about the “difficult months” he has experienced, of his diminished confidence and struggles in practice. Zverev has contributed to those problems, claiming a group stage win over Alcaraz at last year’s ATP Finals and, more damagingly, a four-set win in the Australian Open quarter-finals. This time, though, there was no prospect of the German extending his winning record against the former world No 1, Alcaraz delivering a performance full of quality, self-belief and passion to prevail 6-3, 6-1.
“I’m really happy with the level that I’m playing and the way I’m using the court,” said the defending champion after setting up a tantalising repeat of last year’s semi-final against Jannik Sinner.
“It’s really important for me, for my game, that the opponent doesn’t know what’s next.”
No one knew quite what was going to happen next when a huge blanket of bees abruptly descended on the court with Alcaraz serving at 1-1. The first sign of the disruption came when the Spaniard, up 15-0, felt something touch his head as he started his service routine. He looked up to see dozens of bees circling above him, prompting tittering in the crowd and a request from Lahyani for the players to return to the chair. Up above, huge numbers of the insects blanketed an overhead camera. Before long, players and officials alike were dashing for cover, Alcaraz showing a real turn of pace to shake off as he was followed by a particularly persistent bug: a case of exit, pursued by a bee. It was surreal.
“I saw some bees around, but I thought it was just a few of them,” said Alcaraz, who was stung in the chaos according to his agent, Albert Molina. “But I saw the sky and there were thousands, thousands flying, stuck in my hair, going to me. It was crazy.
“I tried to stay away from them, but it was impossible. As I said, stuck in my hair, so I was running out. I’m a little bit afraid of them.”
The same could not be said for Lance Davis, a local bee removal expert, who promptly arrived on the scene clad in nothing more protective than jeans, a long-sleeved top and a pair of sunglasses. Looking for all the world like a veteran rock star, Davis used a vacuum device to capture the insects before going to work with a bottle of spray. It seemed to do the trick, although some insects remained and Alcaraz, who was initially reluctant to resume, continued to glance around nervously for the remainder of the match.
In reality, it was Zverev who had more to fear. With Alcaraz all booming forehands, explosive movement and artful drop shots, no corner of the court was safe for the German, whose own weaker forehand wing was relentlessly targeted by the Spaniard.
Showing lethal assurance in the forecourt, Alcaraz won all but four of his 19 net points and also cleverly varied his return position. At times, he resembled a Daniil Medvedev tribute act at times as he stationed himself within touching distance of the backstop. Then he would move up to the baseline again, keeping Zverev guessing, constantly giving him a different look. In the fourth game, the tactic disrupted the Olympic champion’s rhythm enough to prise a double fault on break point, Alcaraz establishing a lead that he would not relinquish.
Zverev was not helped by the lengthy suspension of play, which saw the warmth of the Californian sun give way to the kind of windy conditions he abhors. But with Alcaraz in a rich vein of form, it is debatable how much bearing the delay had on the final outcome.
The victory maintained a proud record. Eight times in his young career, Alcaraz has defended a title; eight times, he has reached at least the semi-finals. On two of those occasions, first in Umag in 2022 and then at last year’s Miami Open, he has faced Sinner; both times, he was beaten. The latest instalment of their compelling rivalry will be all the more fascinating for the fact that the world No 2 ranking will be on the line.
“it’s always fun to play with him,” said Sinner following his 6-3, 6-3 quarter-final victory over Jiri Lehecka. “We are good friends off the court. On the court, we just try to give 100%, no?
“I think we have a good attitude on court. Usually the matches are good.”
Few could disagree with that appraisal. It promises to be appointment viewing.