Medvedev Stuns Alcaraz to Set Up Sinner Final

Daniil Medvedev brought an end to world number one Carlos Alcaraz's perfect start to 2026 to reach the final at Indian Wells.

Alcaraz began the year by winning the Australian Open and was on a 16-match winning streak until running into Medvedev.

The Russian made a quick start, taking the opening set in just 35 minutes, en route to a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory in California.

"The first set was a super high level from me and he started to get a grip in the second," Medvedev said.

"I managed to stay in there and play good in crucial points.

"I'm happy that I was able to show the world that I'm still a good tennis player."

Medvedev took both break point opportunities in the first set, before battling to victory via a tie-break in the second.

The 30-year-old, who has finished runner-up at the California event on two occasions, will face Jannik Sinner after the world number two caught the eye with a 6-2 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev earlier in the day.

Sinner is aiming to become just the third man - after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic - to capture all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles.

"It was a great performance - very solid from the back of the court. I tried to go for shots and that felt like one of the keys," he said.

"He has a huge serve so I tried to mix it up. From my side I was very precise and it was a solid performance.

"I thought the match would be more physical but when both serve well it's difficult to get into a rhythm with short points."

- Author: Bobbie Jackson, BBC