Jannik Sinner Faces Daniil Medvedev after Carlos Exit Shock
Indian Wells
March 15, 2026
Jannik Sinner versus Daniil Medvedev. It’s another big final perfectly poised for knife-edge drama!
You might think the Indian Wells showpiece will be one-sided. The reigning Wimbledon champion against an historically erratic thirty-year-old.
But Sinner has been nursing discomfort in his lower back – and we’re not sure whether this will become a factor if his opponent can dig in.
And Daniil Medvedev is in some of best form of his entire career after downing Carlos Alcaraz overnight.
‘I’ve never seen Daniil play like that before,’ admitted the shell-shocked Spaniard after he had clearly underestimated his fellow semi-finalist.
Jannik Sinner will have to bring his A-game to take the Indian Wells title. He’ll have to be brilliant to retain his crown at Wimbledon 2026 in a few months too!
For Sinner fans, the good news is that Jannik was devastating in his 6-2, 6-4 dismissal of Alexander Zverev.
But this isn’t the Medvedev who slipped from world number one to something unremarkable in recent years.
This particular Medvedev is perfectly calm and business-like in his ruthlessness.
The lavish, looping stroke play is still there. But much of the former eccentricity has been replaced by a calculating mind and a surprising inner steel.
No one was more surprised that Alcaraz to find himself 4-1 down in the first set against Daniil.
Even when Carlitos conjured the shot of the match with a stretching forehand cross-court bullet, Medvedev simply applauded and got on with winning.
Alcaraz must have thought the tide had turned when he broke to go 3-1 up in the second. Daniil just broke back and took the set into the unknown.
And it was the underdog who took the breaker to reach the final by a hugely impressive 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
Of course, it would be amazing if Medvedev could down Alcaraz and Sinner in successive days. Then he really would deserve his moment of glory.
Jannik Sinner will start as narrow favourite – despite that nagging back complaint. But the beauty of tennis is that we just can’t be sure what will happen – and it’ll be the same at Wimbledon 2026!
Will you be at the All England Club to enjoy the glorious unpredictability of tennis? There’s nothing quite like Centre Court for a big sporting occasion.
We can secure you debenture seats – and that means access to exclusive restaurants and bars too.