Jannik Sinner claimed his maiden Indian Wells title, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4) in a polished display of hard-court excellence under the California desert sun.
The four-time Grand Slam champion had had a slightly underwhelming start to the season by his stratospheric standards but he was peerless in the Californian desert, not dropping a set through the fortnight.
A tight, high-quality encounter against a resurgent Medvedev looked like it would head to a decider when the former US Open champion went 4-0 up in the second-set tie-break but Sinner reeled off seven points in a row to clinch victory.
The Italian was imperious throughout, finishing with 28 winners, 10 aces and a perfect eight out of eight net points.
His first title at the BNP Paribas Open means Sinner has completed the set of all the biggest titles on hard courts, winning the Australian Open, US Open, ATP Finals and all six Masters 1000 events and he is now only the third player in history to win all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles, joining Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Furthermore, with his first title of the year, he became the first player since 1990 to win consecutive Masters 1000 titles without dropping a set.
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Sinner paid tribute to fellow countryman Kimi Antonelli after he won the Chinese GP, revealing discipline caused him to miss the race
The 24-year-old told Sky Sports Tennis: “It was a tough tournament. In my mind I knew this was the only hardcourt tournament of the big ones that I haven’t won so I’m very happy how I handled it.
“Seeing Daniil playing at this level is important for tennis. I feel like when he plays at his best he’s very tough to beat as we saw today, but I’m very happy.”
Sinner also congratulated 19-year-old Italian Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli for winning the Chinese Grand Prix earlier on Sunday: “It has been a special day for Italy because I’m a huge Formula One fan.
“Having a very young Italian, Kimi, bringing Italy back home at the top. It’s amazing. Thanks Kimi.”
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Kimi Antonelli claimed his debut win for Mercedes as he won the Chinese GP
Medvedev was bidding to join Novak Djokovic by beating Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner at the same tournament, and he brought the same aggressive, precision tennis that had seen him stun the world No 1 in Saturday’s semi-finals.
But Sinner served superbly in scorching conditions, not facing a break point throughout the match, and managed to come out on top in the crunch moments.
The consolation for Medvedev, who was close to missing the tournament after he was caught up in the travel chaos in the Middle East, is that he will return to the top 10 on Monday.
He hailed the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry after defeat, saying: “I tried my best. It was a good match. Whenever you play Carlos I love to see it. Now I was happy to not let Carlos play you again but love watching you guys. Go for it, continue winning. Never stop – and to your team as well.”
Henman: Sinner’s serve has become such a big weapon
Former British No 1 Tim Henman, speaking on Sky Sports Tennis:
“Consistency and inner belief, [at the] biggest moments in these big events in the finals, it got him across the line.
“Sinner has found a way to come out on top as he often does.
“You make changes to get better but sometimes if you make changes you can get worse. But when I reflect on Sinner’s serve, it has become such a big weapon. He changed his footwork and he’s really hitting his spots.
“Sinner has completely dominated on serve which gives you such a great platform to be aggressive.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said: “If he’s healthy then Sinner is always the favourite. It was crazy how the guys were backing up the serves but Medvedev blinked. [Sinner] is the most prolific and consistent performer on the men’s tour.
“The consistency is off the charts.”
Can Medvedev break the Sinner-Alcaraz dominance?
Can Daniil Medvedev break the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
Navratilova said: “They push each others and then they push the rest of the field to get better as well. They have to! Daniil knew that. He has to be more aggressive. If he plays the way he’s used to that’s not going to beat these top guys so everybody’s level goes up.”
Henman added: “We’re looking for the next person to close the gap and I think Medvedev has closed the gap. He’s not there today but if he can keep this type of level and this type of intensity going then he’s got opportunities certainly on hardcourts.”
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