INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Daniil Medvedev delivered a stunning upset on Saturday, ending Carlos Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak and his perfect start to the 2026 season with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(3) victory in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open. The win avenges losses to Alcaraz in the Indian Wells final in both 2023 and 2024, propelling Medvedev into Sunday’s championship match against Jannik Sinner.
The 30-year-old Medvedev, a former World No. 1, showcased aggressive shotmaking and remarkable composure under pressure to dismantle the top-ranked Alcaraz in a match lasting one hour and 37 minutes. The result marks Alcaraz’s first defeat of the year and a significant momentum shift as the hard-court season progresses. For Medvedev, it’s a return to form and a statement of intent as he chases his first Indian Wells title.
Medvedev Dictates Play from the Outset
From the opening game, Medvedev established control, dictating rallies and forcing errors from the Spaniard. According to reports from the match, a dominant stretch saw Medvedev race to a 4-1 lead in the first set, even briefly unsettling Alcaraz to the point where the World No. 1 momentarily lost a shoe during a rally. Whereas Alcaraz briefly fought back, winning four consecutive points, Medvedev’s relentless pressure proved too much to handle.
“He was playing unreal, I gotta say,” Alcaraz conceded after the match, as reported by bnpparibasopen.com. “I have never seen, to be honest, Daniil playing like this.”
Medvedev secured the first set 6-3, demonstrating a level of tennis reminiscent of his peak form. He consistently served well, keeping Alcaraz pinned deep behind the baseline and minimizing unforced errors. The key to his success lay in his ability to neutralize Alcaraz’s powerful game and dictate the pace of the rallies.
Second Set Battle and Crucial Tiebreak
The second set proved to be a much tighter affair. Alcaraz, determined to avoid a straight-sets defeat, raised his level and secured an early break, taking a 3-1 lead. Yet, Medvedev immediately responded, breaking back to level the set. The tension mounted as both players traded holds, with Medvedev facing two set points at 4-5, but he responded with authority, denying Alcaraz any chance of a comeback.
Medvedev’s ability to elevate his game in crucial moments was particularly impressive. He won 74 percent of his second-serve points, a testament to his composure and serving prowess. Infosys ATP Stats highlighted that Medvedev converted both of his break point opportunities while winning four of the five he faced, showcasing his efficiency and clutch performance.
The set ultimately went to a tiebreak, where Medvedev’s experience and mental fortitude shone through. He raced to a commanding lead, securing the tiebreak 7-3 and clinching the match. The tiebreak was a microcosm of the entire match, with Medvedev dictating play and capitalizing on Alcaraz’s unforced errors.
Revenge Served: A Turning Point for Medvedev?
This victory is particularly significant for Medvedev, who had lost to Alcaraz in the Indian Wells final in both 2023, and 2024. “To beat someone like Carlos, especially with the season that he was having, is a great feeling,” Medvedev said, according to the ATP Tour website. He acknowledged the challenge of facing a player of Alcaraz’s caliber, stating, “Playing someone like Carlos, you play many times, you lose many times. He’s an amazing player with amazing shots, defence, attack, return, everything. So, you need to be at your best.”
The win propels Medvedev into his 11th Masters 1000 final, where he will face Jannik Sinner. Sinner advanced to the final after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4. The match promises to be a compelling clash between two of the top players in the world, both vying for the prestigious Indian Wells title.
Alcaraz, despite the loss, remained gracious in defeat. “I just have to give credit to Daniil,” he told reporters. The Spaniard will now look to regroup and refocus as he prepares for the upcoming clay-court season.
What’s Next?
Daniil Medvedev will face Jannik Sinner in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday, March 16th. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM PST (11:00 PM UTC). Fans can follow the match live on Tennis Channel and streaming platforms. This match will be a crucial test for both players as they continue their campaigns in 2026.
The result in Indian Wells undoubtedly shakes up the ATP rankings and adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry between Medvedev and Alcaraz. It will be fascinating to see how both players respond in the weeks and months to come.
