"He hasn’t won a title this year is something to prove, even though Carlos is the hottest player on the tour" - Alcaraz 2026 unbeaten streak to end to hands of Sinner according to Rusedski

The ATP Indian Wells semi-finals are set to be played out in the Californian desert later today, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner the firm favourites to advance into the final for another big clash. Former British number one sees that coming to life, with him predicting that Sinner will end Alcaraz's impressive unbeaten streak.

There is no guarantee that the pair will meet in this final. Both have tricky last-four ties against very talented tennis players. Sinner will take centre stage first in a repeat of the 2025 Australian Open final against Alexander Zverev, who is enjoying his best campaign in this tournament. Sinner has won the prior five times against the German and will be hoping for another.

Alcaraz has also been dominant against Daniil Medvedev, winning both if his Indian Wells triumphs against the Russian in 2023 and 2024. Medvedev is in great form after his Dubai title success and has so far replicated that form at Indian Wells. One more win and he will have a chance to battle it out for a first title here.

When speaking on the Off Court Podcast, Rusedski placed his bets on the four-time Grand Slam champion getting back to winning ways. “I’m going to go with Sinner to win Indian Wells just because of the fact that he hasn’t won a title this year is something to prove, even though Carlos is the hottest player on the tour," he commented.

He highlighted the favourable conditions that could suit Sinner over his rival. “I think the conditions are perfect for him," he said. "You know, the ball gets up high, it kicks, it flies through the desert air goes through the air. Then on the court, the ball on the surface is quite slow, so he’s going to have enough time."

He does have his say on why Alcaraz could win, hinting at the courts are more suited to him. “The problem he has is that Carlos Alcaraz prefers these courts more so than he does. And that’s the final everybody’s expecting. Sinner vs Alcaraz, that’s what we want to see."

Alcaraz also has the momentum firmly on his side. He has won every single match he has competed in this year, which also includes an exhibition match in South Korea against the world number two. Title runs at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open could be followed by more Masters 1000 success. “Carlos hasn’t lost a match this year," noted Rusedski. "He’s been absolutely brilliant. And Sinner wants to say, OK, don’t forget about me. It’s a little bit of a blip right now. I mean, these two guys have just think Sinner’s gonna announce himself."

He is confident that an Alcaraz-Sinner final will be on the cards for the first time in 2026, with him staying firm with who will win the title. “I think he’s gonna be back in the final here. I think we’re gonna get the repeat of Alcaraz vs Sinner, whatever part it is now because they’ve played so many times. It’s gonna happen again in Indian Wells, even though there are other players to look out for, I’m backing Sinner to win.”