Daniil Medvedev has halted Carlos Alcaraz’s perfect 2026 run, after the Russian produced a clinical display to reach the Indian Wells final. Medvedev dismantled the world number one 6-3 7-6 (7-3), ending a 16-match streak.
Alcaraz had dominated early this season after lifting the Australian Open title. However, Medvedev struck quickly, taking control and wrapping up the opening set in just 35 minutes.
“It’s an amazing feeling to beat someone like Carlos – the number one in the world,” said Medvedev. “In a way, when you play him or Jannik [Sinner] or Novak [Djokovic] it doesn’t matter the ranking.”
“It’s just a great feeling to play them, and to beat them, of course, is even better.”
Medvedev converted both break opportunities in the first set and stayed composed in the tense tie-break.
The 2021 US Open champion also extended his own winning run to nine matches. Notably, he entered the tournament fresh from winning the Dubai Tennis Championship.
“I just have to give credit to Daniil,” said Alcaraz. “I think he just played an amazing match. Since the start of the match until the end of the match, he was playing unreal.”
Sinner’s power display sets up Indian Wells final showdown
Earlier, Jannik Sinner delivered an impressive victory over Alexander Zverev to reach the final. The Italian defeated the German 6-2 6-4 in one hour and 23 minutes.
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“It was a great performance – very solid from the back of the court. I tried to go for shots. He has a huge serve so I tried to mix it up,” Sinner said.
“I thought the match would be more physical but when both serve well it’s difficult to get into a rhythm.” Sinner now eyes a rare milestone, as he chases a place among hard-court Masters legends.
Tags: Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Indian Wells, Alexander Zverev, Indian Wells Final.
