Tennis-Sinner triumphs over Medvedev to secure first Indian Wells title

INDIAN WELLS, California, March 15 (Reuters) - Jannik Sinner claimed his maiden Indian Wells title on Sunday, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6) 7-6(4) in a polished display of hard-court excellence under the California desert sun.

The Italian was imperious throughout, finishing with 28 winners, 10 aces and a perfect eight out of eight net points.

Medvedev seized the initiative in the opening set, pushing to 6-5, only for Sinner to force a tiebreak. The second set followed a similar pattern, only this time with Medvedev levelling to force a tiebreak.

In the second tiebreak, Medvedev raced to a commanding 4-0 lead, but Sinner reeled him in, catching him at 4-4 before closing out 7-4 to seal the match.

The victory hands Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, his first title of 2026. For Medvedev, who has now lost three Indian Wells finals, it was another agonising near-miss at a tournament that continues to elude him.