Indian Wells Mixed Invitational final set: Bencic and Cobolli oust defending champions as Tsitsipas/Sakkari fall in semifinals
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari were denied a place in the final of the Mixed Doubles Invitational at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells after falling in a dramatic semifinal on Thursday. The Greek pair pushed top seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Lloyd Glasspool to the limit but ultimately lost 6–2, 4–6, 13–11 in a tense super tiebreak.
The defeat ended a competitive run for the Greek duo in the $1 million Mixed Invitational, one of the exhibition-style events accompanying the WTA and ATP competitions in the California desert. Tsitsipas and Sakkari showed resilience throughout the match, saving multiple match points before narrowly missing out on a place in the championship match.
Their elimination also confirmed the first team in the final, with Dabrowski and Glasspool advancing after a hard-fought semifinal that featured momentum swings and extended pressure points in the deciding match tiebreak.
The second semifinal earlier in the day produced another notable result, as Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli defeated defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in straight sets. The Swiss–Italian pairing secured a 6–3, 6–3 victory, setting up a final clash with Dabrowski and Glasspool for the Mixed Invitational title.
Tsitsipas and Sakkari denied Indian Wells final after dramatic semifinal battle
The semifinal between Tsitsipas/Sakkari and Dabrowski/Glasspool proved to be one of the most competitive matches of the mixed doubles event. The top-seeded Canadian–British pairing started strongly and relied on their experience from the beginning to take control of the match.
Dabrowski and Glasspool controlled the opening set and quickly built a lead that the Greek pair struggled to recover from. Their efficient service games and pressure on return allowed them to take the first set 6–2, putting Tsitsipas and Sakkari on the defensive.
The Greek duo responded in the second set by raising their intensity and improving their coordination at the net. Sakkari’s consistency from the baseline and Tsitsipas’ attacking play helped the pair regain control of several key points, allowing them to break serve and close the set 6–4 to level the match.
The contest ultimately came down to a decisive super tiebreak, where both teams traded momentum. Dabrowski and Glasspool appeared close to victory after earning three match points, but Tsitsipas and Sakkari showed resilience to save them and draw level at 11–11.
Despite the late comeback attempt, two costly net errors in the closing stages allowed the top seeds to regain control. Dabrowski and Glasspool converted their next opportunity to seal the match 13–11, ending the Greek pair’s hopes of reaching the final. The Greeks — who had received a wildcard — had surprised many by defeating the third seeds in the quarterfinals (Stefani/Arévalo), but their run ultimately ended against the first seeds of the draw.
Bencic and Cobolli eliminate defending champions to reach final
The other semifinal produced a more straightforward outcome as Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli overcame defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori (three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champions). The experienced Italian duo entered the match with a strong doubles pedigree and the momentum of their previous title run at Indian Wells.
However, Bencic and Cobolli delivered a composed performance, controlling the rhythm of the match with consistent baseline play and effective net positioning. The Swiss–Italian pairing broke serve at key moments in both sets, limiting the opportunities for Errani and Vavassori to apply pressure.
The result was a 6–3, 6–3 victory that ended the Italians’ title defense and secured Bencic and Cobolli a place in the final of the Mixed Invitational. The unusual partnership between two regular singles players had already produced surprises earlier in the tournament, eliminating established doubles specialists such as Ostapenko alongside King and Mladenovic together with Guinard.
Indian Wells Mixed Invitational final now set after semifinals
With both semifinals completed, the final of the Indian Wells Mixed Doubles Invitational will feature two teams that navigated very different semifinal paths. Dabrowski and Glasspool survived a dramatic super tiebreak to reach the championship match, while Bencic and Cobolli advanced in straight sets after defeating the defending champions.
Although the mixed doubles competition does not award ranking points, the $1 million prize pool has attracted a number of high-profile singles players alongside established doubles specialists.
The final will therefore bring together one of the most experienced doubles players on tour in Dabrowski, alongside Glasspool’s established doubles credentials, against the dynamic pairing of Bencic and Cobolli. After two contrasting semifinal performances, the championship match promises another competitive encounter in the desert.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
