Alcaraz faces Medvedev for Indian Wells crown
INDIAN WELLS: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz handed Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner his first defeat of 2024 on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to set up an Indian Wells final against Daniil Medvedev.
Alcaraz’s 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory ended Sinner’s 19-match winning streak, including a 16-0 start to the year, and ensures Alcaraz will remain No. 2 in the world rankings next week.
“To be able to end something like this, it’s incredible for me,” Spain’s Alcaraz said of busting the Italian’s streak.
Sunday’s final against fourthseeded Russian Medvedev is a repeat of last year’s championship decider.
Medvedev also had to fight back in a 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over 17th-ranked American Tommy Paul. In the final he’ll be out to thwart Alcaraz’s bid to become the first repeat Indian Wells ATP champion since Novak Djokovic won three straight titles from 2014-2016.
Alcaraz and Sinner’s semifinal was disrupted by a three-hour rain delay at 2-1 in the first set but proved worth the wait as the 20-something stars put on a show.
“Matches with Jannik are always special,” Alcaraz said. “We know we have to play at our highest level to win. We have to put magic on the court, unbelievable points and for the crowd it is also wonderful.”
Sinner quickly seized the initiative when play resumed, winning four straight games to pocket the first set.
He saved the only break point he faced, and gained the insurance break for a 5-1 lead, pouncing on a short ball for a stinging cross-court passing winner on breakpoint.
Alcaraz turned it around in the second set with a savvy change of style, backing up to give himself more time on the returns and gradually working his way into the match.
He broke Sinner with a deep volley winner for a 3-1 lead and held for 4-1 in a game that had fans on their feet cheering a thrilling rally at the net.
He saved break points in the seventh and ninth games before sealing the set with a drop-shot winner.
“I stayed strong mentally,” Alcaraz said. “I think that’s a really important part in this game.”