Carlos Alcaraz began his quest for a third successive Indian Wells Open title with a straight-sets victory over Quentin Halys.

The Spaniard took just under an hour and eight minutes to wrap up a 6-4 6-2 win against his French opponent.

Alcaraz broke in game three of the opening set, and subsequently held to draw first blood in what was his maiden tour-level meeting with Halys.

The four-time major winner increased the pressure from the off in the second set, breaking in each of his opponent's first two service games.

Alcaraz subsequently stood firm on his own service game, winning 13 of 14 points on first serve, to set up a clash with Denis Shapovalov in the last 32.

30 - Since 1990, Carlos Alcaraz (21 years and 309 days) has become the second-youngest player to claim 30 combined Men’s Singles match wins in Indian Wells and Miami, after Rafael Nadal (21 years and 304 days). Sunshine.#tennisparadise | @BNPPARIBASOPEN @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/454NJrJl1j

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) March 8, 2025

Data Debrief: Lucky 13 for Carlitos

Alcaraz has now won each of his last 13 matches at Indian Wells, as he looks to join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only players to triumph in this event in three consecutive years.

At 21 years and 309 days, the Spaniard is the second-youngest player to claim 30 combined men's singles match wins at Indian Wells and Miami, older than compatriot Rafael Nadal by just five days.