INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Daniil Medvedev delivered a stunning upset Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open, defeating top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6 (3) to end the Spaniard’s 16-match winning streak and advance to the final. Medvedev will face second-ranked Jannik Sinner for the title.
Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open earlier this year to complete a career Grand Slam, had entered the semifinal on a 16-match winning streak, having also claimed the title in Qatar. The 22-year-old was looking to continue his dominant form at the hard-court tournament in Indian Wells, California.
Medvedev, the Dubai champion last month, disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm by consistently making him move around the court. He secured the victory with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (3), ending Alcaraz’s 34-match winning streak on outdoor hard courts and snapping a four-match losing streak against the Spaniard (Alcaraz now leads their head-to-head 3-6).
Medvedev: “It Feels Amazing to Beat Carlos”
“To beat a player like him, I’m really happy,” Medvedev said. “It’s an amazing feeling. He’s an incredible player, with great shots, defense, offense, serve, everything. So you have to play your best – and I did.”
Medvedev had previously lost to Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 Indian Wells finals. “He’s a tough opponent. I lost to him here the last two years,” Medvedev acknowledged. “So to finally get a win against him feels great.”
Medvedev’s opponent in Sunday’s final will be Jannik Sinner, who advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev. This marks Sinner’s first appearance in the Indian Wells final.
Alcaraz, speaking after the match, praised Medvedev’s performance. “I want to congratulate Daniil,” he said. “He played a great match. From the beginning to the end, he was playing unbelievable. Honestly, I’ve never seen Daniil play at such a level. He totally deserves the win, deserves to be in the final. All I can say is congratulations to him.”
The Indian Wells final between Medvedev and Sinner promises to be a compelling contest, pitting two of the sport’s brightest stars against each other. The match is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will contest the final, marking their 16th career meeting.
The BNP Paribas Open continues to deliver thrilling tennis action, and the men’s final is set to be a highlight of the tournament. Fans can follow the action live on official tournament channels.
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