ATP Indian Wells: Carlos Alcaraz tops Jannik Sinner and reaches final

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World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is through to his third Masters 1000 final in Indian Wells. The young Spaniard took down Jannik Sinner 7-6, 6-3 in an hour and 52 minutes in the semi-final, setting the title clash against Daniil Medvedev.

Thus, Alcaraz became the third teenager with three Masters 1000 finals after Andrei Medvedev and Rafael Nadal. Also, he will become world no. 1 for the second time if he beats Medvedev on Sunday and wins 1000 ATP points. Carlos is seeking his third Masters 1000 title as a teenager, hoping to join Rafael Nadal on the exclusive list.

Carlos defeated Jannik for the third time in five encounters, prevailing in the opener after saving a set point on serve in the 12th game and keeping everything under control in set number two. The Spaniard won four points more than the Italian, saving one out of two break points and stealing the rival's serve two times from six chances.

Alcaraz had more winners and unforced errors and tamed his strokes more efficiently than his opponent to emerge at the top after a tight battle.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in straight sets in Indian Wells.

Nothing separated them in the encounter's opening four games, and Carlos locked the result at 2-2 with an ace after 15 minutes.

A teenager grabbed the second break opportunity in the fifth game after the rival's loose backhand and moved in front. Alcaraz held at 15 in game six to extend the advantage and settle into a fine rhythm. Sinner stayed competitive and forced Alcaraz's backhand error in the eighth game for a break at love and momentum.

Carlos served to stay in the set at 5-6 and netted a forehand to experience a set point! He denied it with a fine drop shot and a volley winner at the net to introduce a tie break. They stayed neck and neck until the ninth point when Jannik netted a backhand to fall behind.

Carlos defended superbly in the tenth point to create two set points and cracked a backhand crosscourt winner on the first for 7-4 after 61 minutes. Jannik squandered game points in the second set's second game and lost serve to fall a set and a break down.

Alcaraz served well in games three and five to open a 4-1 gap and move closer to the finish line. The Italian faced an ultimate challenge in the sixth game, defending three break points and remaining within one break deficit.

Carlos moved 5-2 in front with a service winner in game seven and served for the victory at 5-3. The Spaniard earned two match points with a mighty forehand and seized the second with a forehand down the line winner that propelled him into the title clash.