Medvedev Eyes Indian Wells Title After Alcaraz Win in 2026

Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open, marking his first victory over Alcaraz since their 2023 U.S. Open semifinal clash. Medvedev’s win snapped Alcaraz’s undefeated streak. He now advances to face Jannik Sinner in the final.

Alcaraz Feeling the Pressure

Alcaraz had joked earlier in the week about the pressure of constantly facing opponents who play with nothing to lose against him. He reiterated that he was getting tired of having a target on his back. Alcaraz felt the weight of that pressure during the semifinal.

Alcaraz arrived with an Australian Open title. He also had the record as the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, and a Qatar Open title. The heat of the Coachella Valley added to the challenges.

Medvedev’s Resurgence

Medvedev beat Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6(3). It was his first victory over the top-ranked player since their previous encounter. Medvedev said it was an amazing feeling to beat someone like Carlos, the world No. 1.

Medvedev will play his first ATP Masters 1000 final in two years against Jannik Sinner. Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 in their semifinal.

Medvedev returns to the top 10 for the first time since July. This follows his win over Alcaraz.

Medvedev is in the midst of something of a renaissance at the start of 2026. He carries a nine-match win streak into the final. He won the Brisbane International in January in Australia and the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this month.

Medvedev’s time in Dubai was extended due to strikes on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Iran on the United Arab Emirates. These strikes also affected other neighbouring Middle East nations.

Alcaraz admitted that Medvedev played unreal. He said he had never seen Daniil playing like this.

Medvedev was on the offensive from the start and controlled the match.

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