Medvedev dismisses Alcaraz to reach IW final

Daniil Medvedev handed Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the season to book a second straight final at the Indian Wells Masters.

The winner of the Dubai event a fortnight ago in a walkover, played it out to reach the Californian title match where he will face Jannik Sinner after defeating Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Sinner, who will play his first final at the desert venue, easily accounted for Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4.

World No. 1 Alcaraz was unable to extend his 16-match win streak as Medvedev took revenge for his finals loss here two years ago against the Spaniard.

“It’s an amazing feeling to beat someone like Carlos, No. 1 in the world. In a way, when you play him,” Medvedev said.

“It’s just a great feeling to play them (top players). and to beat them, of
course, is even better.

“So super happy with my level today and looking forward to tomorrow, of course.”

He added: “Playing someone like Carlos, you play many times, you lose many times. He’s an amazing player with amazing shots, defence, attack, return, everything. So, you need to be at your best.”

Medvedev came back from a break down in the second set and saved four of five break points. close out the straight-sets victory in one hour and 37 minutes and claim revenge against the Spaniard, who had beaten him in the Indian Wells final in 2023 and 2024.

“I was hanging in, in the second set, as I could,” Medvedev said. “But [I am] playing great tennis, super happy to beat someone as strong as him.”

Alcaraz dominated on winner, striking 24 to the 15 of Medvedev but also committed 30 unforced errors in defeat.

The 30-year-old stands 7-8 against Sinner going into the Sunday final.

Medvedev will be playing his third final of 2026 after winning Brisbane and Dubai, where he advanced as Tallon Griekspoor withdrew injured before that final.

Neither Medvedev not Sinner have dropped a set over the last 10 days at Indian Wells

“If I manage to maintain the level I had throughout the tournament and maybe even raise it, I will have my chances,” Medvedev added..

Sinner finally got over the semi-final hump here after losing twice at this stage as he dominated Zverev  

“”The first time here in the final, it means a lot to me. It’s the third time that I’ve played the semis here, so I’m very happy about that,” world NO. 2 Sinner said.

“Of course, the next one will be a very tough test, but I’m extremely happy. We have improved this week, this tournament, and that for me was the most important part.

“It was a great performance from my side. Sascha didn’t play very well today. I  broke him a couple of times in the first set, which gave me confidence to continue, and I served very well at important moments. I’m very happy.”

Main photo:- Danill Medvedev celebrates – ATPTour.com