When Daniil Medvedev led 4-0 in the second-set tiebreak of the Indian Wells final, the odds were stacked firmly in the Russian’s favour. What followed — seven consecutive points from Jannik Sinner — was a moment of sporting greatness that sealed a 7-6(6), 7-6(4) victory and the world number one’s first Indian Wells title.
Sinner had been in irresistible form for two weeks in California, dropping no sets as he moved through the draw. His serving was a constant weapon, and in the final against Medvedev it was particularly effective, with the Italian not facing a break point throughout the entire match.
Medvedev had been one of the stories of the tournament, returning to form after a disrupted period that included travel chaos in the Middle East. His semi-final win over Sinner in a recent tournament suggested he was ready to challenge at the highest level once more.
The Indian Wells title fills the final gap in Sinner’s hard-court trophy cabinet. He had already won every other major prize on the surface, including the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, making this victory the piece that completed a genuinely historic collection.
On the women’s side, Sabalenka ended her winless streak against Rybakina with a fighting 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) victory. She saved a match point in the deciding tiebreak and afterwards celebrated on court with her fiance and new puppy, in a scene that captured the emotion and joy of an unforgettable week.