INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Daniil Medvedev has advanced to the final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, defeating top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in a compelling semifinal match on Friday, March 14, 2026. The Russian secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final against Jannik Sinner, who earlier dispatched Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The match began with both players demonstrating strong service games, but Medvedev quickly established control, breaking Alcaraz to take an early lead in the first set. He consolidated the break and continued to apply pressure, ultimately closing out the set 6-3 after 35 minutes of play. Alcaraz, visibly frustrated, struggled to find his rhythm against Medvedev’s consistent baseline play and aggressive returns.
The second set saw a resurgence from Alcaraz, who fought to stay within reach. However, Medvedev continued to dictate the pace, breaking Alcaraz again to extend his advantage. Despite a brief rally from the Spaniard, Medvedev maintained his composure and secured the set 6-4, sealing his place in the final.
Throughout the match, Medvedev showcased a level of precision and tactical awareness that proved difficult for Alcaraz to counter. His ability to neutralize Alcaraz’s powerful groundstrokes and capitalize on opportunities was key to his success. The Russian’s performance marked a significant step forward, demonstrating a renewed confidence and strategic approach to facing the world’s top players.
0:55
Alcaraz shows the crowd, but Medvedev goes 5-5
A great point from Alcaraz showing the crowd. Medvedev saves two set points serving really well and responding better. On a short ball the Spaniard hits the net: 5-5
0:51
Medvedev serves to stay in the set, Carlitos ahead 5-4
Alcaraz ahead 5-4, it’s Medvedev’s turn to serve to stay in the set. A very good set, full of exchanges, the spectators applaud. Alcaraz celebrates with a fist pump, it was hard to win that exchange
0:44
Still Medvedev: 4-4 with Alcaraz in the second set
He will as well make some mistakes, but Medvedev hasn’t been seen like this for a long time. He goes to 4-4. Both are pushing, Alcaraz goes to the net to surprise his opponent, the heat is felt
0:36
Alcaraz 4-3 and holds serve
Alcaraz goes to 4-3 and holds serve. He now seems more serene than in the first set and Marca writes: “It’s good that Medvedev also makes some mistakes“
0:34
Dua Lipa in the stands
The cameras, meanwhile, frame Dua Lipa in the stands. And some people ironically say: “Alcaraz isn’t playing his best match in front of her”
0:33
Alcaraz-Medvedev 3-3 in the second set
Medvedev moves to 3-3 and Alcaraz starts to get nervous. His team shouts at him: “Try to be positive”, but he seems to be struggling
0:29
What a reaction from Medvedev who shortens the gap on Alcaraz
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen this Medvedev: break and counterbreak, he goes to 3-2. Medvedev understood that Alcaraz is slightly less precise today than usual and takes advantage of it
00:23
Break from Alcaraz who extends to 3-1
Break from Alcaraz: down 15-40, Medvedev saves the first chance but not the second, with the Spaniard extending to 3-1 in the second partial of the match.
00:19
Carlitos returns ahead: it remains ‘on serve’
Excellent service turn for Carlitos Alcaraz, who leaves only 15 to Medvedev: the Spaniard ahead 2-1 on the Russian in the second set.
00:16
The Russian holds the serve easily: 1-1
Another service held easily by Medvedev, who leaves only 15 to Alcaraz: the Russian catches up with the Spaniard at 1-1 in the second set.
00:14
The Spaniard comes back from 15-30 and starts well in the second set
Alcaraz starts well in the second set: the Spaniard comes back from 15-30 and holds the serve, taking the lead 1-0 over Medvedev.
00:09
+++ Medvedev closes 6-3 and wins the first set +++
Medvedev holds the serve at 15 and after 35′ closes the first set 6-3. Alcaraz is forced to chase in this second semifinal of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells.
