Former world no. 1 players Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz are the opponent’s in the Indian Wells title clash. The Us Open champions will fight for the second notable trophy of the season, with both chasing impressive feats.
The young Spaniard praised the Russian as the world’s best player, comparing him with the wall he has to take down
. Daniil had been struggling for 13 months since the last year’s Australian Open final. Medvedev dropped out from the top-10 and made a fresh start this February.
The Russian has won 19 consecutive matches in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai and Indian Wells, seeking the 20th in the final and his fourth ATP crown within five weeks! On the other hand, Alcaraz returned to action in February after staying away from the court for three months due to an injury.
The youngest year-end no. 1 player conquered Buenos Aires before losing the Rio de Janeiro final to Cameron Norrie following an epic battle.
Carlos Alcaraz is ready to challenge Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final.
The last year’s Indian Wells semi-finalist is enjoying another great run in the desert, beating five rivals and advancing into his third Masters 1000 final.
Carlos faced Jannik Sinner in the semi-final and scored a 7-6, 6-3 victory in an hour and 52 minutes for a place in his third Masters 1000 final. Alcaraz defeated Sinner for the third time in five encounters, prevailing in the opener after saving a set point on serve in the 12th game and keeping everything under control in set number two.
The Spaniard won four points more than the Italian, saving one out of two break points and stealing the rival’s serve two times from six chances. Alcaraz had more winners and unforced errors and tamed his strokes more efficiently than his opponent to emerge at the top after a tight battle.
The Spaniard stayed focused in the opener’s closing stages and grabbed an early break in the second set that carried him through. On the other hand, Medvedev overpowered Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6 to extend his winning streak.
Daniil is through to his first Masters 1000 final since Paris 2021, prevailing over the home star despite several setbacks in the second set’s closing stages. The Russian produced nine consecutive holds and forged a 7-5, 5-3 advantage.
The American fended off three match points on serve in the ninth game and four more on the return at 5-6 to introduce a tie break! Still, Medvedev stayed calm and sealed the deal to extend his incredible streak.
