Medvedev stuns Alcaraz, sets up Indian Wells final with Sinner

Daniil Medvedev handed world number one Carlos Alcaraz his first defeat of the year, sealing a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory to advance to the Indian Wells final.

The 11th-seeded Russian will face second-seeded Jannik Sinner of Italy in what promises to be a gripping showdown. Sinner advanced with a convincing 6-2, 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev , dominating the match with six aces and breaking Zverev twice in the first set.

Alcaraz had stormed through the season with 16 straight victories, including titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. Medvedev, who had lost his last four encounters with the young Spaniard, including the Indian Wells final in 2024, finally claimed a crucial win, his first over Alcaraz since the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals.

Both Medvedev and Sinner have yet to drop a set in the tournament, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash in the final. Notably, Sinner has beaten Medvedev in their last three meetings, including the U.S. Open quarterfinals in 2024.

The men’s final will be played between Medvedev and Sinner , promising intense rallies and a battle for the Indian Wells crown.

In doubles action, Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova triumphed in the women’s doubles final, defeating Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4. Townsend celebrated her first Indian Wells title, while Siniakova notched her second, having previously won in 2023 alongside Barbora Krejcikova.

On the men’s doubles front, Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard overcame Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot 7-6(3), 6-3. Meanwhile, in mixed doubles, Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli clinched a 6-3, 2-6, 10-7 victory over top seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Lloyd Glasspool.

With Medvedev and Sinner both in sensational form, the men’s final at Indian Wells promises to be a thrilling spectacle for tennis fans worldwide.