ATP Indian Wells 2026 Round-Up | Daniil Medvedev stuns Carlos Alcaraz to set final clash with Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev advanced to the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after contrasting semifinal victories on Saturday. Sinner continued his dominant run through the tournament with a straight-sets win over Alexander Zverev, while Medvedev produced one of his strongest performances of the season to defeat world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in two sets.

The results set up a final between two of the most consistent performers of the past year. Sinner will contest his first Indian Wells final after extending his winning streak against Zverev, while Medvedev returns to the championship match in Tennis Paradise for the third time in his career. Both players will be chasing their maiden Indian Wells title.

Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Indian Wells final for the first time in his career, extending his winning streak over the German to six consecutive matches.

The opening exchanges were competitive, with Zverev holding confidently behind his first serve and even saving three early break points in a long opening game of the second set. However, once rallies extended, Sinner began to assert control from the baseline. The Italian secured the first break at 3-2 in the opening set when Zverev missed a cross-court forehand during a prolonged exchange.

From that moment, Sinner seized control. Zverev struggled particularly behind his second serve, winning just 28 percent of those points in the match. Sinner capitalised by stepping inside the baseline on returns and quickly extending his lead. A second break pushed the score to 5-2 before the Italian closed out the set after just 25 minutes.

Zverev attempted to reset in the second set and relied heavily on his first serve, even winning every point behind it during one service game. Yet the vulnerability of his second serve continued to provide opportunities for Sinner. The breakthrough arrived at 4-3 when the Italian pressured Zverev’s return games and converted another break.

Sinner then served out the match with authority, finishing with six aces and winning 86 percent of points behind his first serve. The victory sends the four-time Grand Slam champion into the Indian Wells final for the first time and continues his recent dominance over Zverev, whom he defeated four times during the 2025 season alone.

Daniil Medvedev produced a composed and tactically disciplined performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6 and secure his place in the Indian Wells final.

The Russian began the match aggressively, dictating baseline exchanges with his forehand and applying early pressure on Alcaraz’s service games. After a tight opening phase in which both players held serve comfortably, Medvedev earned the first break at 3-1 when Alcaraz failed to control a rally from the baseline.

That single break proved decisive in the opening set. Medvedev maintained a high first-serve efficiency, winning 74 percent of points behind it while limiting Alcaraz’s opportunities on return. The Russian closed the set confidently to take control of the match.

Alcaraz responded strongly in the second set and briefly shifted momentum by breaking Medvedev to lead 3-1. The Spaniard’s forehand began to dictate rallies more effectively, and he appeared to be gaining control of the contest. However, Medvedev quickly regained composure, breaking back immediately to level the score at 3-3.

From there, both players held serve under increasing pressure. Alcaraz secured a key hold for 5-4 and later guaranteed a tie-break after surviving several tense service games. Medvedev then delivered a calm service hold to force the tie-break, where he maintained his consistency and capitalised on small errors from the Spaniard.

Statistically, the match reflected Medvedev’s efficiency. While Alcaraz won 70 percent of points behind his first serve, Medvedev was particularly effective on second-serve points, winning 73 percent and saving four of five break points during the match.

The victory sends Medvedev into his third Indian Wells final and marks a significant result against a player who has dominated the rivalry in recent seasons. The championship match will now feature Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, with both players seeking their first title at Indian Wells.