“It’s a bittersweet feeling”: Daniil Medvedev reflects on Indian Wells final defeat to Jannik Sinner

Daniil Medvedev described his run to the final of the BNP Paribas Open as a “bittersweet” experience after falling to World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s championship match, acknowledging both the progress in his game and the frustration of missing out on the title.

The Russian arrived in Indian Wells in strong form and confirmed that level throughout the fortnight. His campaign included a significant semi-final victory over World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, ending the Spaniard’s perfect start to the 2026 season after 16 consecutive wins and earning Medvedev a place in the final.

Although he ultimately fell short against Sinner, Medvedev insisted that his level across the tournament remained encouraging. The former US Open champion pointed to several tight moments in the final where the outcome could have shifted, particularly during a closely contested second set.

The result also continues a positive start to Medvedev’s season. The 30-year-old leaves California with an ATP Tour-leading 18 match wins and returns to the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time since July, having already lifted trophies earlier this year in Brisbane and Dubai.

Medvedev admitted the emotional contrast between defeating Alcaraz in the semi-final and losing the championship match created mixed feelings after the tournament.

The Russian had struggled against the Spaniard in recent meetings, making the victory particularly meaningful, but he acknowledged that it did not ultimately bring the prize he wanted.

“It’s a sweet, bitter feeling because to beat Carlos yesterday, it feels like a win of the tournament, especially for me. I lost a lot against him," the former world No. 1 said during his press conference. "But that’s not the reality. There is a final to play. I had my opportunity, small opportunity in the first set, a bit bigger opportunity in the tiebreak in the second. But at the same time, I was hanging by not big margins in the whole set. So it is what it is.”

Despite the disappointment, Medvedev said the week confirmed that his level remains competitive against the best players in the world. “Great tournament, great level, even including today. Of course, a bit disappointed there were a couple of moments where I could have played better. But in general I’m happy with the week and looking forward to more tennis like this.”

Medvedev also reflected on the challenge of competing against the current leaders of the ATP Tour, noting that players like Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves through remarkable consistency across the season.

While acknowledging their dominance, the Russian argued that the gap is not insurmountable on a match-to-match basis. “I think in general, on one match basis anyone can challenge them. You saw Jakub beat Yannick in Doha, you saw me beat Carlos here, stuff like this. So on one match basis a lot of guys can challenge them. It’s not right to say it’s only me or only Novak or only Sasha.”

However, he emphasised that their ability to maintain such results across an entire season remains exceptional. “That’s why when you come to the end of the season usually they have 60 wins and five or six losses, out of which four come from themselves as well. So it’s not an easy challenge and you just need to try your best.”

Medvedev also compared the current generation with the legendary rivals he has faced earlier in his career. “They’re all different players. Jannick is different from Carlos, and Rafa was completely different because he’s a lefty and has this crazy spin. They’re all very tough to play against and that’s why they all have a lot of Grand Slams. Jannick and Carlos have a bit less for the moment, but if nothing extraordinary happens they’re going to have a lot.”

Beyond the result of the final itself, Medvedev believes his performances across recent tournaments confirm that his form is trending upward again.

The Russian stressed that his return to the Top 10 is less about the ranking milestone itself and more about maintaining a level capable of competing deep into major tournaments. “It’s a good feeling, but I always said that when I play well I will return to the Top 10. If I manage to continue this level I will be at one point in the Top 10, maybe Top 5. But if I lose this level then the rankings can fluctuate.”

Medvedev also offered a technical explanation for one element of Sinner’s recent dominance on tour: improvements to the Italian’s serve. “Starting from the first match that he beat me in Beijing, he did something with his team on his serve and he’s serving phenomenal. It’s super tough to read. It’s super tough to return, even when you read it. And not only for me — for a lot of players.”