Daniil Medvedev defeated world number one Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) on Saturday to reach the Indian Wells Masters 1000 final.
The Russian snapped Alcaraz’s perfect 16-0 start to 2026 with a commanding performance, taking the first set in 35 minutes and sealing victory in a tense tie-break.
Medvedev, a former US Open champion, converted both break points in the opening set and held firm in the second as Alcaraz tried to rally. He extended his winning streak to nine matches after triumphing at the Dubai Tennis Championship. “I managed to stay in there and play well in crucial points. I’m happy to show the world I’m still a good tennis player,” Medvedev said.
The 30-year-old, who has twice finished runner-up at Indian Wells, will now face world number two Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final. Earlier, Sinner powered past Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 to reach his first Indian Wells final. The Italian dominated with precise serving and aggressive returns, breaking Zverev twice in the first set and securing the decisive break in the second.
Sinner has now reached the final of all six hardcourt ATP Masters 1000 events. He aims to become only the third man, after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to capture all six titles. With 21 of his 24 career titles on hard courts, Sinner enters the final in top form, setting up a thrilling clash against Medvedev’s consistency.
