(Indian Wells) Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz inflicted his first defeat of 2024 on Jannik Sinner, winner of the Australian Open, to return to the final of the Masters 1000 at Indian Wells on Saturday, beating the Italian 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.
The Spaniard’s victory ends the streak of 19 victories for Sinner, winner of the Australian Open, and will allow him to maintain his place at No.2 in the world rankings next week.
In Sunday’s final, Alcaraz will face either Russian Daniil Medvedev, world No.4, or American Tommy Paul, with the possibility of becoming the first player to retain his title at Indian Wells since Novak Djokovic won three times there. consecutive trophies from 2014 to 2016.
The match, disrupted by a three-hour interruption due to rain, largely rewarded the patience of the spectators at the Stadium Court with long, spectacular exchanges.
“Matches with Jannik are always special,” commented Alcaraz. “I always demand the best from myself against him and it’s the same for him.”
“We put magic on the pitch, incredible points and for the public, it’s also wonderful,” he added.
Sinner quickly took the initiative in the restart, using her depth and precision to win four straight games and take the first set.
He saved the only break point he faced, and outdistanced his opponent 5-1, throwing himself on a short ball for a cross-court passing winner on the break point.
Alcaraz reacted in the second set by changing his style, moving back to give himself more time on returns and thus gradually return to the match.
He broke Sinner with a deep volley winner for a 3-1 lead and held on for 4-1. Sinner had chances, but couldn’t convert them.
The Spaniard saved another break chance with a backhand down the line winner and closed out the set with a winning shot.
Some imprecise forehands from Sinner allowed Alcaraz to dominate the third game of the final set and he earned the break with a high backhand volley to end another difficult rally.
Sinner suddenly seemed powerless to stop Alcaraz, who won five consecutive games and ended up winning the game thanks to a victorious forehand on his third match point.
“I’m really very happy to beat Jannik and to be in the final again,” said Alcaraz, who is aiming for his first title since his triumph at Wimbledon last July.