Alcaraz hands Sinner first loss of 2024, sets up final clash with Medvedev

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev will face off in Sunday's Indian Wells final, a rematch of last year's summit clash, after both won in intense three-sets on Saturday.

Alcaraz rallied from behind to defeat Jannik Sinner 1-6 6-3 6-2, while Medvedev defeated American Tommy Paul 1-6 7-6(3) 6-2 in the second semi-final.

Sinner, the Australian Open champion, has been the hottest player on tour this year and appeared to be on his way to a victory when the Spaniard's forehand went long to end the 34-minute first set, which was cut short by a three-hour rain delay.

Alcaraz would eventually break serve with a powerful forehand that set up a put-away volley for a 3-1 second set lead, and hit a drop shot even the speedy Sinner did not attempt to race down to force a showdown between the young rivals.

With Sinner serving in the third set, the Italian dove to keep a ball in play on a break point near the net, his hands scraping against the gritty Indian Wells hardcourt.

Alcaraz's athletic volley sealed the break, and Sinner appeared to be bothered by his left hand following the exchange.

Alcaraz went up a double break and 4-1 on a forehand wide by a suddenly error-prone Sinner, then sealed the win with a crosscourt forehand winner to prevent Sinner from claiming the world number two ranking and denying him his 20th consecutive win dating back to last year.

"I stayed strong mentally and that's very important," Alcaraz said after ending his opponent's winning streak this season at 16 matches.

"I had to run more, defend better than I did in the first set. Put more balls in. Stay strong on the court."

Medvedev pulled off a similar comeback victory over Paul, who was quick off the blocks, losing only one game in the first set before the Russian rallied.

Paul saved two set points to force a tie-break in the second set, but Medvedev won five consecutive points to tie him.

Paul was broken from 40-0 in the first game of the third set, which was largely a one-sided affair as Medvedev finished the match to stay on course to avenge his loss to Alcaraz in last year's final.

"He played an unbelievable first set," Medvedev said of his opponent.

"So I was like, OK, if I want to win I just have to try to do a little bit better to find the shot that's going to make him in trouble. I found some, especially on his serve."

SportsLigue