Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka captured their maiden titles at the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday, overcoming stern challenges in gripping finals at the California desert tournament.
World No. 2 Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) in the men’s singles final, completing the tournament without dropping a set. The Italian staged a remarkable comeback in the second-set tie-break, winning seven consecutive points after trailing 4-0 to seal the victory.
The win marked Sinner’s ninth triumph over Medvedev in their last ten meetings and secured his first title at Indian Wells, one of the most prestigious events outside the Grand Slams.
Medvedev had entered the final after defeating top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, handing the Spaniard his first loss of the season at the BNP Paribas Open.
Following the match, Sinner also congratulated fellow Italian Kimi Antonelli, who won the Chinese Grand Prix earlier on Sunday.
“It hasn't anything to do with tennis, but it has been a special day for Italy," Sinner said. "Because I'm a huge Formula One fan and having a very, very young Italian, Kimi, bringing Italy back home at the top, it's amazing. So, thanks, Kimi, thanks Formula One, and see you next year.”
In the women’s singles final, world No. 1 Sabalenka edged Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) in a dramatic contest played under sweltering conditions, with temperatures rising into the 90s.
The 27-year-old Belarusian, runner-up at the event in 2023 and 2025, showed resilience to overturn the early deficit and clinch her first title at the tournament.
Also read: Sabalenka reaches Indian Wells final, 3rd time in 4 years
Sabalenka had an opportunity to close out the match in the third set but was broken while serving at 5-4. In the ensuing tie-break, Rybakina held a championship point before Sabalenka produced a decisive backhand winner to turn the momentum.
“I think the whole idea going into this match was to be mentally strong, to stay strong, no matter what, to show with the body language that I'm here, I'm fighting,” Sabalenka said in a post-match interview with the Tennis Channel. “You have to get a win with incredible tennis and that was the whole idea going into this one. I'm happy that it really worked.”
The victory capped an eventful period for Sabalenka, who recently celebrated both adopting a puppy and becoming engaged to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis.
“I'll remember it for the rest of my life,” she said.
Sunday’s final marked the 16th meeting between Sabalenka and Rybakina, with Sabalenka now holding a narrow 9-7 advantage in their head-to-head record.
There was little time for celebration, however. Sabalenka was scheduled to depart later the same night for the Miami Open, where she will begin her campaign as the defending champion.
“Probably will have a couple drinks on the plane and that's it,” Sabalenka said. “I'm defending champion there, so I have to bring my best tennis there.”
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