A seven-point streak in the second-set tiebreak proved the turning point as Jannik Sinner fought back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Daniil Medvedev and win the Indian Wells Masters title. The Italian, who had not dropped a set all tournament, claimed a 7-6(6), 7-6(4) victory in a final of the highest quality.
The match was a testament to both players’ skill, with Medvedev employing the precise, relentless tennis that has made him one of the game’s most dangerous competitors. For long stretches it appeared the Russian might force a decider, but Sinner’s ability to produce his best tennis under pressure proved the difference.
Indian Wells had been the one notable gap in Sinner’s hard-court résumé, and filling that void now means the 24-year-old has conquered every significant title on the surface. The Australian Open, US Open, ATP Finals, and all six Masters 1000 events now sit in his trophy cabinet.
Sinner’s record at this tournament also places him among the elite returners in Masters history, as he became only the second player after a notable predecessor to win back-to-back Masters titles without conceding a single set. His Paris title at the end of last season formed the first half of that record.
Sabalenka delivered her own slice of history in the women’s final, ending a four-match losing streak to Rybakina with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) win. The Belarusian saved a match point in the deciding tiebreak and emerged victorious in what she called the most memorable week of her life.