Alcaraz Powers into Indian Wells Quarter-finals; Draper Upsets Djokovic

11 March 2026, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Norway's Casper Ruud during their men's singles round of 16 match at the BNP Paribas Open held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
11 March 2026, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Norway's Casper Ruud during their men's singles round of 16 match at the BNP Paribas Open held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Alcaraz Powers into Indian Wells Quarter-finals; Draper Upsets Djokovic

11 March 2026, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Norway's Casper Ruud during their men's singles round of 16 match at the BNP Paribas Open held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
11 March 2026, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates defeating Norway's Casper Ruud during their men's singles round of 16 match at the BNP Paribas Open held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

World number one Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant run at Indian Wells, beating Norway's Casper Ruud 6-1 7-6(2), while Jack Draper upset world number three Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-4 7-6(5) on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals in the California desert.

Alcaraz relied on a near-flawless service game to seize control of the match, racing through the opening set in just 37 minutes after breaking Ruud's serve three times.

Thirteenth-seeded Ruud raised his level in the second set and forced a tiebreak, hoping to push the match to a decider, but Alcaraz kept his foot on the gas to seal his 15th consecutive victory of the season to reach the quarter-finals for a fifth straight year.

"The conditions were difficult to be honest. Today the ball was tough to control but we both played great," two-time champion Alcaraz said in his on-court interview.

"My first set was incredible I'm really happy of playing that kind of level, really happy to get through and hopefully I'll play this level on the next round."

Alcaraz will next face 2021 champion Cameron Norrie, ⁠who earlier beat ⁠Australia's Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-2, with the Spaniard looking to avenge a defeat to the Briton at last year's Paris Masters.

Defending champion Draper claimed one of the biggest wins of his career by beating Djokovic in a deciding-set tie-break after two hours and 35 minutes.

Draper, who trailed after dropping the opener 6–4, stormed into the second set by breaking Djokovic early and surviving multiple break points before sealing it with aggressive baseline play.

Djokovic won a stunning 26-shot rally at 30-all in the opening game of the decider, but Draper surged to leads of 3-1 and 5-3 before the 38-year-old Serb battled back to ⁠5-5 and then broke the Briton as he first served for the match.

The 24-year-old kept his composure, forced the tie-break and dominated it to close out a statement victory.

"I still don't feel like I'm playing anywhere near the way I want to play," Draper said in an on-court interview, according to Reuters.

"I came out here tonight and I won that match through determination and trying to problem-solve and do my best and have a great attitude.

"I'm proud of the way I regrouped. I haven't been playing on the tour (in) a long time, so to put away guys who are top players, it's something that comes with confidence."

Draper will next face Russian 11th seed Daniil Medvedev, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-2 6-4 in a commanding performance, needing just one hour and 27 minutes to dismantle the American and maintain his strong form after winning last month's Dubai Open.

World number two Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant 6-2 6-0 victory over Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova, ⁠reeling off 10 consecutive games ⁠to secure her fifth win over the Czech, whom she also beat at the same stage of the tournament last year.

"I felt I was playing better and better, just great," Swiatek said.

"I love playing here ... It's a great place to play tennis, hopefully I can keep doing that until the end."

Swiatek, chasing a third Indian Wells title, will face ninth seed Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals after the Ukrainian advanced when Katerina Siniakova retired injured.

American fifth seed Jessica Pegula overcame Belinda Bencic 6-3 7-6(5) to secure her first victory in five meetings between the pair.

Pegula, coming off a dramatic comeback win over Jelena Ostapenko, took control as she clinched the opening set - her first ever against the Swiss - before edging a tightly contested tiebreak to close out the match.

Third seed Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals after Sonay Kartal retired while trailing 6-4 4-3.

Rybakina, the 2023 champion, controlled most of the match, surging to a double-break lead in the opening set and steadying after Kartal took multiple medical timeouts.

Although the Briton briefly recovered to level the second set at 3-3, Rybakina broke in the seventh game before Kartal stopped.

Rybakina next faces Pegula, a rematch of their Australian Open semifinal.



Inter Boss Chivu Defends Bastoni After Italy Red Card and Media Scrutiny

Italy's defender #21 Alessandro Bastoni (C, bottom) receives a red card from French referee Clement Turpin during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
Italy's defender #21 Alessandro Bastoni (C, bottom) receives a red card from French referee Clement Turpin during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
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Inter Boss Chivu Defends Bastoni After Italy Red Card and Media Scrutiny

Italy's defender #21 Alessandro Bastoni (C, bottom) receives a red card from French referee Clement Turpin during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
Italy's defender #21 Alessandro Bastoni (C, bottom) receives a red card from French referee Clement Turpin during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (AFP)

Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu came to the defense of under-fire Alessandro Bastoni on Saturday, praising his center-back's courage and sense of responsibility after Italy's World Cup playoff loss and criticizing the media scrutiny around the club.

Bastoni had already been a target for Italian media and opposition fans since Inter's Valentine's Day win over Juventus, after being accused of diving to get Pierre Kalulu sent off and then celebrating the red card.

The international break did little to ease the pressure. His rash last-man foul in the first half left Italy with 10 men, and they went on to lose the World Cup playoff in ‌Bosnia on penalties.

"In ‌football, what matters is the respect of your teammates. What ‌matters ⁠is your work, ⁠and who you are as a person," Chivu told reporters ahead of Sunday's home game with AS Roma.

"I'm sure he's disappointed about what happened, but at the same time, grateful for the support he received from his national teammates and his teammates here at the club.

"Because he showed his face. Because in a moment of difficulty, he stepped forward with what he had, to represent his country and try to achieve the dream of ⁠all Italians."

Bastoni not only needed to put aside the negative ‌attention, but also missed Inter's most recent game through ‌injury before joining up with Italy.

"Despite the difficulties, despite his physical condition at that moment, ‌he made himself available, and that means a lot to me," Chivu said.

"I understand ‌what it means to spend 10 days on crutches and then step up and take responsibility in such an important match."

Chivu pushed back when asked about the media storm that followed the Juventus game, redirecting the question to the reporters over what he feels are double standards ‌when it comes to Inter.

"I haven't seen the same reaction since, but when it's Inter, when someone claims Inter are favored, ⁠then it becomes ⁠a public flogging," Chivu said.

"But when there are episodes that go against Inter, suddenly no one says anything. That's a question I should be asking you, because you are the ones who should answer it."

PRAISE, NOT BLAME

Inter had five players involved in Italy's loss, and 20-year-old forward Pio Esposito missed the first spot kick in the shootout.

"What mattered to me, and I asked him when I saw him, was whether he had requested to take the penalty," Chivu said.

"His answer was yes, and for me that's enough.

"Taking responsibility at such a young age, knowing full well the importance of the match, is enough for me. Penalties can be missed, and he will miss many in his career. What matters is that he had the courage to step up."

Inter are top of the standings, six points ahead of AC Milan, who are away to third-placed Napoli on Monday.


Bayern Youngsters Deliver Rousing Comeback Win to Stay on Course for Bundesliga Title

Bayern Munich players including Bayern Munich's German midfielder #20 Tom Bischof and Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz (R) celebrate after the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern Munich in Freiburg, southern Germany on April 4, 2026. (AFP)
Bayern Munich players including Bayern Munich's German midfielder #20 Tom Bischof and Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz (R) celebrate after the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern Munich in Freiburg, southern Germany on April 4, 2026. (AFP)
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Bayern Youngsters Deliver Rousing Comeback Win to Stay on Course for Bundesliga Title

Bayern Munich players including Bayern Munich's German midfielder #20 Tom Bischof and Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz (R) celebrate after the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern Munich in Freiburg, southern Germany on April 4, 2026. (AFP)
Bayern Munich players including Bayern Munich's German midfielder #20 Tom Bischof and Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz (R) celebrate after the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern Munich in Freiburg, southern Germany on April 4, 2026. (AFP)

Lennart Karl scored in the ninth minute of added time to complete a dramatic comeback 3-2 win for Bayern Munich over Freiburg and keep his team on track for the Bundesliga title on Saturday.

Freiburg was heading for an upset win at 2-0 up in the 81st minute before Bayern's young midfielders changed the game, 20-year-old Tom Bischof scoring twice with low shots from distance and 18-year-old Karl slotting in a low cross from Alphonso Davies to turn the game on its head.

Harry Kane was out with an ankle issue ahead of next week's Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid and Nicolas Jackson was suspended so Serge Gnabry was tasked with leading the Bayern attack but made little headway.

Bayern's defense was at fault for Freiburg's opening goal, giving Johan Manzambi plenty of space to cut in from the left flank and line up a powerful shot past Manuel Neuer.

Back in the team after injury, Neuer made strong saves in the first half but blundered for Freiburg's second, leaping out of his goal to palm a corner straight to Freiburg striker Lucas Höler for an easy second.

Michael Olise missed a huge chance for Bayern but it was Bischof who made the breakthrough, scoring once from outside the area in the 81st, then again in added time as Freiburg was caught out by Bayern's quick corner routine. Davies' assist for Karl's winner marked an encouraging return from a hamstring injury for the Canada left back ahead of the World Cup.

Leverkusen wins thriller

Bayer Leverkusen surged back from 3-1 down to beat Wolfsburg 6-3 in an action-packed game which pushed relegation-threatened Wolfsburg closer to ending its 29-year stay in the top division.

Leverkusen's Spanish wing back Alejandro Grimaldo scored twice to move to 14 goals for the season in all competitions as he competes for a World Cup spot. Patrick Schick, Edmond Tapsoba, Ibrahim Maza and Malik Tillman also scored for Leverkusen.

Tapsoba's goal marked redemption after he'd conceded a penalty which allowed Christian Eriksen to score Wolfsburg's third, but the Leverkusen defender wasn't the only one to achieve that feat. Wolfsburg defender Joakim Maehle scored with a low drive in the 31st barely 10 seconds after the kickoff following a penalty conceded for his own foul.

Leverkusen stayed sixth and remained firmly in the Champions League race. Wolfsburg was 17th in the 18-team league and winless since January.

Leipzig boosts CL push

Antonio Nusa and Romulo made the most of Leipzig's few chances in a 2-0 win over Werder Bremen to stay on target for a return to the Champions League in fourth.

Leipzig got another boost as fifth-placed Hoffenheim was upset by Mainz 2-1. Union Berlin and Augsburg drew 1-1 and Franck Honorat's goal rescued a 2-2 draw for Borussia Moenchengladbach against last-placed Heidenheim.

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund played third-placed Stuttgart later Saturday.


Slot Urges Liverpool to Stick Together After FA Cup Rout at Man City

 Soccer Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 4, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks to Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister as they come on as substitutes. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 4, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks to Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister as they come on as substitutes. (Reuters)
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Slot Urges Liverpool to Stick Together After FA Cup Rout at Man City

 Soccer Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 4, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks to Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister as they come on as substitutes. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - April 4, 2026 Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks to Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister as they come on as substitutes. (Reuters)

Arne Slot urged his Liverpool flops to stick together after admitting Saturday's dismal 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals summed up their turbulent season.

Slot's side wasted a series of early chances at the Etihad Stadium before capitulating when Erling Haaland bagged City's opener late in the first-half.

Haaland struck again on the stroke of half-time and completed his treble after the break following Antoine Semenyo's goal.

Liverpool's wretched performance, which also included a missed Mohamed Salah penalty when the score was 4-0, increased the pressure on Slot after a miserable campaign.

"It's very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also the result and the score. Another big disappointment for us," said Slot, whose team have only two wins in their last seven games.

"The first 35 minutes was the sort of team I would like to see but the 20 minutes after that, we have to defend so much better than we were doing today.

"It's not nice to go in at 2-0 just before half-time, not helpful for your mood especially after the season we have had. That was really hard to take."

In a frank admission of Liverpool's problems, Slot said he was concerned with avoiding an even bigger thrashing ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

"The only good thing was that we didn't concede more. If you want to have a good game on Wednesday, a 4-0 loss is already not helpful but an even bigger loss would be a bigger problem for us to go there," he said.

"I tried to get us back into the game, to make it 4-1 or 4-2 but make sure that it stays at four and that was the main thing I thought about."

The Reds are languishing in fifth place in the Premier League, with their title defense in tatters and their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League far from certain to have a happy ending.

- 'A lot of setbacks' -

Slot was taunted by City fans who chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" and while that might be premature the Dutch coach is under increasing scrutiny.

Liverpool supporters have grown frustrated with their team's limp performances.

The Champions League represents Liverpool's last chance for silverware this season, but they face a daunting task against holders PSG.

Calling for his team to stand up to the pressure against PSG, who knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League last term, Slot said: "We are really looking forward to playing against a very good side again.

"We have had a lot of setbacks and disappointments but that is also part of being a football player and being a human being. You have to stand there when things are not so positive and that's what it is about now.

"Players that have shown so much quality in the past now have a fantastic chance to show that against PSG."

With City boss Pep Guardiola serving a touchline ban, his assistant Pep Lijnders took the post-match media duties.

"Pep is really pleased, that is the most important. It's not easy to please him," Lijnders said.

"The first 25 minutes we were too open. Then we started to control the game and created more chances.

"Erling's header was insane. I love when a striker flies and attacks the ball. What a goal."

City's eighth successive FA Cup semi-final appearance keeps them in contention to win the competition for the first time since 2023.

They have already won once at Wembley this season, beating Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final just before the international break.

"Pep was really happy because it's special if you go eight times to Wembley," Lijnders said.

"It's the part of the season where the business has to be done. The boys feel that."