Jannik Sinner edges Daniil Medvedev to win maiden Indian Wells Open title

Jannik Sinner claimed his first Indian Wells Open title in the men’s singles final on Sunday (15 March), edging Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Facing one another for the first time since 2024, it was a match of fine margins as the Italian kept his cool to win 7-6(6), 7-6(4).

The first set was a masterful showing of tennis from both players, who went toe-to-toe at every step over the first hour. There was little to separate the pair, contesting their 16th career encounter, with each holding serve across the first 12 games.

Faced with gruelling rallies, including one that consisted of 28 shots, a fascinating set was settled by a tiebreak, as Sinner made the world No. 11 pay for a misjudgement at the net before landing a huge backhand to clinch the set.

Set two began almost as the first did, with neither player able to break serve in the bright Californian sunshine.

Sinner, who hit 10 aces during the match, put Medvedev under mounting pressure with his serve, before once again clinching the set following a tiebreak, as the Italian recovered from 4-0 down to draw level before finally edging a thrilling match that lasted almost two hours.

"I knew that this was a ‌tournament I haven't won, so I wanted to prepare ​in the best possible way, as professionally as possible," ‌Sinner, who now turns his attention to this week's Miami Open, told reporters after the match.

"Having this achievement now means a lot to me. Now I have couple of days to relax ...

"It's again an important tournament in Miami, ⁠but we try to ⁠play the best tennis ‌possible there too."

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