Sinner beats Zverev to reach maiden Indian Wells final

Sinner beats Zverev to reach maiden Indian Wells final

Bobbie Jackson

BBC Sport journalist

World number two Jannik Sinner put on a masterclass to beat Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-4 and reach his first final at Indian Wells.

The 24-year-old has won 21 of his 24 titles on hard courts and looked on top form as he raced to victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

The Italian is aiming to become just the third man – after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – to capture all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles.

Sinner will face either world number one Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

“It was a great performance – very solid from the back of the court. I tried to go for shots and that felt like one of the keys,” he said.

“He has a huge serve so I tried to mix it up. From my side I was very precise and it was a solid performance.

Sinner has endured a frustrating start to 2026, failing to reach a single final prior to this event, but was inspired as he attempts to correct that record.

It was in the first set where the mental damage was done as the Italian, who has won seven of their 11 meetings, dropped just four points on serve and broke twice.

Zverev struggled to find his rhythm on serve in the opening set and Sinner made him pay – winning six of the eight second-serve return points.

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    • 16 August 2025
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Source: BBC
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