Medvedev defeats Alcaraz to reach Indian Wells final against Sinner

INDIAN WELLS: Daniil Medvedev brought an end to Carlos Alcaraz’s unbeaten run in 2026, securing a 6-3, 7-6(7/3) victory in the Indian Wells semi-final on Saturday. With this win, Medvedev advances to the final, where he will face Jannik Sinner.

Medvedev, who had previously lost to Alcaraz in the Indian Wells finals in both 2023 and 2024, delivered a strong performance, relying on a powerful serve and assertive baseline play to keep the world number one under pressure. Reflecting on his win, Medvedev stated, “Super happy to beat someone as strong as he (is). It’s a great feeling.”

Alcaraz, aged 22, entered the match with a perfect 16-0 record for the year. Earlier in the season, he became the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam following his Australian Open victory. He also claimed a title in Qatar before arriving at Indian Wells.

In the other semi-final, Jannik Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, overcame fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev with a 6-2, 6-4 win, setting up a highly anticipated final against Medvedev.

The Indian Wells final is scheduled for Sunday, where Medvedev will seek to claim the title after two consecutive runner-up finishes to Alcaraz in previous years.