Sinner Takes Charge in Indian Wells Showdown
Both Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are in fierce pursuit of completing the set of ATP Masters 1000 titles on hard courts.
Date: March 15, 2026
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Witness Jannik Sinner’s electrifying performance at Indian Wells.
Written by Sam Jacot
Jannik Sinner is off to a strong start in the BNP Paribas Open final, clinching the first set 7-6(6) against Daniil Medvedev on this exhilarating Sunday in Indian Wells.
Both athletes are on a quest to secure all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles, a prestigious achievement shared only by legends Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. This marks Sinner’s debut appearance in the Indian Wells final, where he is also aiming for his milestone 100th Masters 1000 victory.
From the very first point, Medvedev displayed a confident and aggressive style reminiscent of his semi-final victory over Alcaraz, racing out to an early lead. Despite winning the first six points, he couldn’t convert that energy into an early break, facing pressure from Sinner at critical moments of the set.
After taking a medical timeout at 3-4 to re-tape his right ankle, Sinner found himself with two break-point opportunities but was unable to convert. Medvedev’s relentless, precise hitting kept Sinner on the move. However, Sinner proved to be the more decisive player in the tie-break. He capitalized on a misjudged forehand volley by Medvedev at 5/4 and sealed the set on his second chance after momentarily faltering at 6/5.
For Medvedev, this is his third final at Indian Wells, having faced defeat in the last two years against Carlos Alcaraz. After a dramatic semi-final win against Alcaraz, he now seeks to become the first player to overcome both Alcaraz and Sinner within the same tournament since Djokovic accomplished the feat at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals.
Following his trophy triumph in Dubai last month, Medvedev has brought that momentum to California, yet to drop a set in the tournament. A comeback win could secure his return to the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings, climbing to No. 9 if he levels his ongoing rivalry with Sinner to 8-8.
Sinner is riding high on a 10-match winning streak in Masters 1000 competitions since his title win in Paris last November. A victory for the Italian today would not only net him his 25th tour-level title but would also make him the first male player to claim back-to-back Masters 1000 titles without losing a set since the series commenced in 1990.
