Medvedev channels former self to upset Alcaraz in Indian Wells

Is Daniil Medvedev back? That may be up for debate until he makes some serious noise at a Grand Slam, but the Medvedev of old was certainly on display in the BNP Paribas Open semifinals on Saturday afternoon.

The former world No. 1 upset Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6(3) to set up a championship showdown against Jannik Sinner. Medvedev showcased his trademark defense and consistency while also flashing the offensive capabilities that carried him to the 2021 U.S. Open title — among many other accomplishments — but mostly evaporated throughout a disappointing 2025 campaign.

“Playing someone like Carlos, you play many times, you lose many times,” the 29-year-old Russian commented. “He’s an amazing player with amazing shots, defense, attack, return, everything. So you need to be at your best.”

For Alcaraz, it was his first loss of 2026. The top-ranked Spaniard had previously lifted trophies at the Australian Open and the Doha ATP 500.

It means there will be no Alcaraz-Sinner showdown in the desert even though the second-ranked Italian held up his end of the bargain. Sinner had no trouble in the afternoon’s first semifinal, erasing Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4.

Either Sinner or Medvedev will be a first-time champion in Tennis Paradise. Medvedev is already a two-time runner-up (both times against Alcaraz), while Sinner is playing in his first Indian Wells final.

“It’s a great achievement,” the 24-year-old assured. “The first time here in the final, it means a lot to me. The third time that I’ve played the semis here, so I’m very happy about that…. Now let’s see what’s coming. 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.”

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