Medvedev: ‘Eager for More Tennis Like This’
Sinner lauds Medvedev after the thrilling Indian Wells showdown
March 16, 2026
Image Source: Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev’s stellar 18-4 season performance, as noted by the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
By ATP Staff
Daniil Medvedev has much to celebrate following his journey at the BNP Paribas Open.
At 30 years of age, he leaves California with an ATP Tour-leading 18 victories, highlighted by a shocking semi-final win against World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who had commenced the season with a perfect 16-match winning streak.
Although he narrowly missed out on his first Indian Wells title in a tight two-set match against Jannik Sinner, Medvedev heads home with his confidence soaring.
“It was an incredible tournament, and I played at a high level, even today,” Medvedev expressed in his Sunday press conference. “Naturally, I’m a bit frustrated about not seizing a couple of critical moments. Jannik is an outstanding player and incredibly challenging to compete against.”
“Overall, I’m pleased with the week and eagerly anticipating more tennis like this,” he added.
Making his return to the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time since July, Medvedev has showcased a remarkable resurgence. He kicked off the season with a title win in Brisbane, followed by a victory in Dubai before arriving at Indian Wells.
Medvedev’s rival Sinner, who clinched the final without breaking Medvedev’s serve, acknowledged the resurgence of his fellow ATP No. 1 Club member.
“He’s playing phenomenal tennis,” Sinner remarked about Medvedev. “He displayed great confidence, having already bagged a few titles this year and performing exceptionally here. His serving was top-notch. I really struggled to return, particularly on his second serve.”
“I genuinely believe the sport needs him. His playing style is one-of-a-kind. It’s fantastic to see him back at this level—he’s evolving significantly, showing aggression at crucial moments, and switches between two distinct playing styles with serve and return. It’s great for tennis having him back in top form.”
Sinner wasn’t the only ATP Tour star to commend Medvedev’s revitalized game. After Medvedev triumphed over Alcaraz in the semi-finals, the Spaniard noted, “I’ve never seen Daniil play like this.”
Medvedev sought to become the first player to defeat both Alcaraz and Sinner in the same tournament since Novak Djokovic achieved the feat at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals. He acknowledges the formidable challenge of overcoming two of the Tour’s finest.
“I’m thrilled that I performed well enough to tackle everyone else, and then I managed to beat Carlos and face Jannik,” Medvedev stated. “That’s my aim—not to dwell too much on them, but to focus on improving my own game and competing against the rest.”
“Given that Carlos and Jannik are often contenders in the semi-finals, it’s likely you’ll encounter one of them in the finals if you play exceptionally.”
Reflecting on his last two matches, Medvedev expressed the mixed emotions of defeating Alcaraz contrasted with the disappointment of Sunday’s loss.
“Beating Carlos felt like a tournament victory for me, especially given my previous struggles against him. However, reality set in as there was a final to contend with. I had my moments, a slight one in the first set and a more significant opportunity in the second set’s tie-break, but I was always on the edge,” Medvedev admitted.
“So, I have this bittersweet feeling—while it feels rewarding to have performed as I did this week, the loss stings.”
