Dimitrov on Alcaraz: "We have a lot in common, but we are two very different types of players."

In the night session, the clash of the day at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 will pit Grigor Dimitrov against Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 of the California tournament.

The two men have faced each other five times, with the Spaniard leading three wins to two. However, the Bulgarian has won the last two matches against Alcaraz, at the 2023 Shanghai Masters 1000 and the 2024 Miami Masters 1000.

Alcaraz has only lost three matches in his career against players with a one-handed backhand (with 29 wins), two of which were against Dimitrov.

The latter, in particular, is eager to face the 21-year-old player again, the youngest world No. 1 in history in 2022 and already a four-time Grand Slam champion.

"First of all, I love watching him play. I really like him, I love his game. He is very versatile, he has many different shots, he has a complete arsenal and masters every possible shot.

But that's also the case for me. That's why I think when we face each other, it's always a bit more complicated for both of us. In a way, we have a lot in common.

But at the same time, we are two very different types of players. I have enjoyed playing against him on all surfaces. It has helped me a lot to play against him to see where I stand, physically and mentally, as well as in terms of my shots, because he is a very good striker.

For me, he is one of the best in this regard among the players I have faced in the last five or six years," Dimitrov told the Spanish media AS.