Medvedev defeats Alcaraz, advances to Indian Wells final against Sinner

Top-seeded Alcaraz suffers first loss of the year in semifinal matchup

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:22am

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Daniil Medvedev handed world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the 2026 season, defeating the top seed 6-3, 7-6(3) to advance to the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Medvedev will face second-seeded Jannik Sinner, who beat Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 in the other semifinal. In the women's doubles final, Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4.

Why it matters

This result marks a significant shift in the men's tennis landscape, as Alcaraz had been undefeated in 2026 and was the heavy favorite to reach the final. Medvedev's victory over the young Spaniard sets up an intriguing final against Sinner, another rising star on the ATP Tour.

The details

Medvedev, the 11th seed, ended Alcaraz's 16-match winning streak to reach his first final at Indian Wells. The Russian had lost his previous four meetings against Alcaraz, including the 2024 final at this event. Sinner, meanwhile, cruised past fourth-seeded Zverev in straight sets to book his spot in the championship match.

  • The men's singles semifinals were played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • The women's doubles final was also contested on Saturday.

The players

Daniil Medvedev

A 27-year-old Russian professional tennis player who is currently ranked 11th in the world.

Carlos Alcaraz

A 22-year-old Spanish professional tennis player who is the current world No. 1 and was the top seed at the BNP Paribas Open.

Jannik Sinner

A 24-year-old Italian professional tennis player who is currently ranked 2nd in the world.

Alexander Zverev

A 28-year-old German professional tennis player who is currently ranked 4th in the world.

Taylor Townsend

An American professional tennis player who won the women's doubles title at the BNP Paribas Open.

Katerina Siniakova

A Czech professional tennis player who won the women's doubles title at the BNP Paribas Open.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really happy with the way I played today. Alcaraz is an incredible player, so to get this win is very satisfying.”

— Daniil Medvedev (AP News)

“Sinner played a great match and deserved to win. I'll learn from this experience and come back stronger.”

— Alexander Zverev (AP News)

What’s next

The men's singles final between Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The takeaway

Medvedev's victory over the previously unbeaten Alcaraz sets up an exciting final between two of the ATP Tour's rising stars, Medvedev and Sinner. This result shakes up the men's tennis landscape and shows the depth of talent on the tour as a new generation of players challenges the established order.