Daniil Medvedev’s explosive outburst during a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters sparked global attention, marking a dramatic turn in the Russian’s tournament. The incident unfolded midway through the second set as Medvedev, already struggling to contain Berrettini’s dominance, lost his composure. In a moment that quickly went viral, the former world No. 1 smashed his racquet seven consecutive times on the red clay before discarding the mangled frame into a courtside trash bin. The crowd’s sarcastic cheers and the subsequent code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct highlighted the intensity of the moment, with officials likely to impose a hefty fine for the outburst. The match itself was a one-sided affair, lasting just 49 minutes, as Berrettini delivered a masterclass in precision and composure. The Italian, ranked No. 90 and playing on a wild card, overwhelmed Medvedev with a flawless display that left the Russian reeling. Medvedev’s struggles were evident from the outset, as he committed five double faults, landed only 36% of his first serves, and won just 17 of 67 points. Berrettini, in contrast, missed only a handful of shots, showcasing his ability to exploit every weakness in Medvedev’s game. The Italian’s performance was so dominant that he later admitted, “I wouldn’t expect to win like that and it doesn’t happen that often,” underscoring the rarity of the result. The 6-0, 6-0 scoreline, known as a “double bagel,” is an exceptionally rare achievement in tennis. According to Opta, Berrettini became only the fifth player since the ATP Rankings began in 1973 to defeat a top-10 opponent with such a scoreline. The last such instance occurred a decade ago when David Goffin defeated Tomas Berdych.#daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #atp_tour #monte_carlo_masters #red_clay
Medvedev's Racket Smashing and Double Bagel Defeat to Berrettini at Monte-Carlo Masters MONACO -- Former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev suffered a dramatic 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, marked by a series of explosive outbursts that included smashing his racket seven times on the red clay court. The match, which lasted just 49 minutes, ended with Medvedev discarding the mangled racket frame into a trash bin after a contentious second set. The incident drew a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Medvedev is expected to face a significant fine for his actions. The Russian, ranked 10th in the world, struggled from the outset, dropping his first service game of the second set with a forehand into the net. Frustrated, he slammed his racket near the baseline, then hurled it toward a tarp at the end of the court. Medvedev continued to retrieve and smash the racket frame, eventually destroying it to the point where it could fit through a trash can opening. The crowd’s sarcastic cheers added to the tension as the match unfolded. Berrettini, ranked 90th and granted a wild-card entry for the tournament, delivered a dominant performance, winning 83% of his points and committing only three unforced errors. The Italian, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, had previously struggled with injuries but showcased a career-best display, stating, “I think I missed three shots in the whole match.” His victory marked a historic milestone, as Berrettini became the fifth player since ATP rankings began in 1973 to defeat a top-10 opponent 6-0, 6-0—a score known as a double bagel. The last such occurrence was a decade ago when David Goffin beat Tomas Berdych at the Italian Open. Medvedev’s loss was a stark contrast to their previous three encounters, all of which he had won.#daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #atp_rankings #monte_carlo_masters #clay_tennis
Monte Carlo Masters: Daniil Medvedev Destroys Racquet in 6-0 6-0 Loss to Matteo Berrettini Daniil Medvedev suffered his first-ever 6-0 6-0 defeat in a professional match as he lost to Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. The Russian player, known for his fiery temperament, smashed his racquet against the court after a disastrous 49-minute performance, marking a rare moment of frustration in his career. Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, capitalized on Medvedev’s struggles to secure a dominant victory, delivering a performance that Berrettini himself described as one of the best of his life. Medvedev, who has openly criticized clay courts as “a surface for losers” and compared playing on them to “being like a dog in the dirt,” struggled throughout the match. He failed to win more than two points in the final 11 games, allowing Berrettini to dominate every facet of the contest. The world number 10’s performance was marred by 28 unforced errors, five double faults, and a dismal 4-21 record behind his second serve. His inability to maintain focus or execute key points led to an overwhelming 6-0 6-0 result, a rare occurrence in men’s tennis. The match’s turning point came early as Medvedev fell behind 6-0 in the first set and was immediately broken in the second. After losing the first set, he threw his racquet against the hoardings at the back of the court, a gesture that drew laughter from the crowd. Rather than abandoning the racquet, Medvedev retrieved it and smashed it against the ground six times before snapping it in half. The broken racquet was later discarded in the courtside bin, a symbolic end to his efforts on the clay surface. Berrettini, ranked 90th in the world at the time, showcased his resilience and tactical precision.#daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #joao_fonseca #monte_carlo_masters #carlo_verdone
Tennis Best Bets Today: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Picks for Wednesday, April 8 The 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is in full swing at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, with the clay-court tournament intensifying on the French Riviera. This week’s betting insights focus on Wednesday’s matches, analyzing player form, surface dynamics, and tactical advantages to identify the most promising wagers. The picks cover moneyline bets, game spreads, set spreads, and total lines, with a focus on matchups that offer value and strategic depth. Matteo Berrettini vs. Daniil Medvedev Berrettini’s recent performance against Roberto Bautista Agut, where he dominated 4-0 before the opponent retired, highlights his growing confidence on clay. The Italian has adapted well to the surface, leveraging his powerful forehand, efficient slice backhand, and strong first and second serves. His career record on clay (71-30) and current form suggest he is a formidable contender. Medvedev, while improved in 2026, has struggled with consistency on clay, posting a 44-35 record. His lack of recent clay-court matches—his last was the 2025 French Open—could hinder his ability to adjust to the slower surface. Berrettini’s physicality and experience make him a strong favorite, though Medvedev’s serve remains a threat. The bet favors Berrettini to win a set at +161 and secure the match at +175. Alejandro Tabilo vs. Jiri Lehecka Tabilo’s clay-court expertise and recent success in ATP matches position him as a key player in this matchup. His 14-9 ATP record and 4-1 Challenger performance in 2026 reflect his ability to thrive on the surface. Lehecka, while a formidable baseline player, faces challenges on clay due to his reliance on powerful serves and aggressive baseline play, which may struggle against the grittier surface.#daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #alejandro_tabilo #jiri_lehecka #rolex_monte_carlo_masters
Monte-Carlo Masters: Medvedev and Berrettini Set for High-Stakes Clash Matteo Berrettini and Daniil Medvedev are set to face off in a highly anticipated second-round match at the Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday, marking their fourth encounter on the ATP Tour. The match, expected to be a pivotal moment in the tournament, will test both players as they aim to advance past the early stages of the clay-court event. Berrettini, a former world No. 6, has struggled with injuries in recent years, while Medvedev, a 23-time ATP champion, seeks to rebound from an early exit at the Miami Open and capitalize on his resurgence during the European clay swing. Medvedev’s clay-court performance has been inconsistent, with a history of mixed results on the surface. Despite reaching the quarter-finals in Madrid last year, his 2025 campaign on clay was marred by early exits at the Monte-Carlo and Rome Masters, culminating in a first-round defeat at the French Open. This streak of three consecutive first-round losses at Grand Slams ended with a fourth-round showing at the Australian Open in January. Since his defeat to Learner Tien in Melbourne, Medvedev has compiled an 11-4 record, positioning him as a strong contender for the clay swing. His goal is to secure an 11th career victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters, improving upon his 10-6 record in the event. Berrettini, meanwhile, has faced challenges in maintaining his form on clay. A former Masters finalist in 2021, he has never advanced beyond the third round in Monte-Carlo, a hurdle he aims to overcome this year. Entering the tournament, Berrettini’s form has been mixed, with a 7-6 record heading into the event.#daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #atp_tour #roberto_bautista_agut #monte_carlo_masters
Medvedev vs Berrettini: Survival Mode in Monte Carlo Matteo Berrettini, once the face of Italian tennis, now finds himself in a precarious position as he battles to reclaim relevance in the sport. His recent struggles have placed him far from the spotlight, overshadowed by rising stars like Jannik Sinner and younger competitors such as Lorenzo Musetti. This shift underscores the volatile nature of tennis, where success can be fleeting. Berrettini’s journey from a promising prodigy to a player grappling with fitness issues and mental health challenges offers a cautionary tale about the pressures of the sport. Berrettini’s career trajectory has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Born in the 1990s, he became the first Italian man to reach the quarterfinals or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments. His achievements include a historic Wimbledon final in 2021, a Davis Cup title in 2024, and another in 2025, where he went undefeated in all his rubbers. These milestones positioned him as a key figure in Italian tennis, yet his current ranking of No. 90 on the ATP Tour paints a stark contrast. He now trails behind Sinner, Musetti, and others, and is unseeded in most tournaments, signaling a significant decline in his status. The reasons for his fall are multifaceted. Persistent injuries have plagued his career, affecting both his physical performance and mental well-being. In January, Berrettini openly discussed the toll of his struggles, stating, “Mental health has become one of the most important things for me.” He emphasized the importance of nutrition, training, and sleep, but acknowledged that injuries have made mental resilience crucial. This admission highlights a broader issue in tennis, where the physical and psychological demands of the sport often intertwine.#jannik_sinner #lorenzo_musetti #daniil_medvedev #matteo_berrettini #monte_carlo
Luca Van Assche vs Tallon Griekspoor Prediction and Betting Tips Luca Van Assche and Tallon Griekspoor are set to face off in the second round of the Grand Prix Hassan II tournament in Marrakech on April 2, 2026. The match, scheduled for the center court, will mark a significant encounter between two players with contrasting recent performances and histories. Griekspoor, the 29-year-old Dutchman, returns to competitive play after a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Dubai tournament, where he reached the final but was unable to compete against Daniil Medvedev. Van Assche, the 21-year-old Frenchman, has shown promise in the clay-court season, but his form remains inconsistent despite recent successes. Griekspoor’s absence from the court has raised questions about his readiness to compete in Marrakech, where he previously reached the final in 2025. His last match before the injury was against Medvedev, a high-profile encounter that ended in a draw. The Dutchman’s return to action will be critical, as he faces the challenge of regaining his rhythm and adapting to the demanding conditions of the tournament. Meanwhile, Van Assche has demonstrated his ability to perform on clay, as evidenced by his victory over Hugo Gaston in the opening round. The Frenchman’s win came in two sets, with the second set decided by a tiebreak (6-4, 7-6), highlighting his resilience and tactical awareness. Van Assche’s performance in the tournament so far has been marked by a mix of strong and inconsistent results. While he defeated Gaston and other lower-ranked opponents, he struggled against higher-caliber players, losing to Benjamin Willwerth and Raphael Collignon in straight sets.#daniil_medvedev #tallon_griekspoor #marrakech #grand_prix_hassan_ii #luca_van_assche
Carlos Alcaraz exits Miami Open after third-round loss to Sebastian Korda Carlos Alcaraz was ousted from the Miami Open in the third round on Sunday, falling to Sebastian Korda in a three-set match. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who recently completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open in January, dropped to 17-2 on the year. Alcaraz’s defeat came just days after he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the Indian Wells tournament. Korda, ranked 25th, overcame a challenging match to secure a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory in 2 hours and 19 minutes. The match saw Korda serve for the win at 5-4 in the second set but allowed Alcaraz to rally with five consecutive games. Korda then regrouped to close out the match. Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter, stating, “It was a tough match, obviously. I think [Korda] was incredible today. Played such a great game. A lot of tied moments that I just didn’t make the most of it, and I think he was better on those points and moments.” Korda, ranked 36th, became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin, ranked 55th, achieved the feat in Miami last year. Reflecting on the match, Korda said, “A lot of tense moments, for sure. But you know I think today, the ultimate thing was belief. Going back to just believing, committing into every shot, and luckily I got it done at the end.” Korda’s next opponent will be the winner of the match between 14th-seeded Karen Khachanov and qualifier Martin Landaluce. Meanwhile, American players Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul advanced to the fourth round. Fritz, the sixth seed, defeated Reilly Opelka 6-3, 6-4, while Paul, the 22nd seed, overcame Raphael Collignon with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) victory. Other notable winners included No. 21 Jiri Lehecka and No. 29 Tomas Martin Etcheverry.#miami_open #carlos_alcaraz #daniil_medvedev #taylor_fritz #sebastian_korda
ATP Miami Day 6 Predictions Highlight Key Matchups Day 6 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami marked the conclusion of the round of 32, featuring several high-stakes matches and top players competing for deeper runs in the event. Among the notable matchups was the clash between recent Indian Wells finalist and 2023 Miami champion Daniil Medvedev and world No. 4 Alexander Zverev, who is seeking to extend his dominance in major tournaments. The day’s schedule was contingent on weather conditions, with rain potentially affecting play but not dampening the excitement for fans. The day’s predictions included a tightly contested match between Alejandro Tabilo and Alex Michelsen, two players separated by just one ranking spot. This was their first meeting, with both showing strong form this week. Tabilo had recently upset Andrey Rublev, while Michelsen, known for his comfort on hard courts, was expected to have a slight edge. The prediction favored Michelsen to win in three sets. Another key matchup was between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Terence Atmane. Auger-Aliassime, a top-10 player, had shown inconsistency in recent matches, while Atmane had finally found form in Miami. The prediction suggested Auger-Aliassime would overcome his inconsistency to win in two sets, marking a potential breakthrough for the Canadian. The match between Francisco Cerundolo and Daniil Medvedev was also anticipated to be a challenge for Cerundolo. Medvedev, after a shaky start in the tournament, had steadied his performance and was aiming for a deep run or even a second Miami title. The prediction gave Medvedev a two-set victory, reflecting confidence in his current form. The most anticipated match of the day was between Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic.#alexander_zverev #atp_masters_1000 #daniil_medvedev #alex_michelsen #alejandro_tabilo
Miami Tennis Picks: Medvedev Faces Cerundolo, Michelsen Takes On Tabilo The Miami Open enters its second week with two third-round matches set for Monday, featuring Daniil Medvedev against Francisco Cerundolo and Alex Michelsen facing Alejandro Tabilo. Medvedev, the Russian world No. 9, is in strong form after a resurgence in 2025, having claimed two titles and reached the final in Indian Wells. Cerundolo, the Argentine world No. 18, has a unique history at the Miami Masters, excelling on both clay and hard courts. Despite his consistent performance in Miami, he faces a tough challenge against Medvedev, who has shown renewed competitiveness after a difficult 2025 season. Cerundolo’s ability to thrive on clay has made him a regular contender in Masters tournaments, but his success in Miami adds another layer to his profile. The match against Medvedev, however, could be a hurdle, as the Russian has demonstrated his capacity to dominate in high-stakes matches. While Medvedev may not yet be at his peak form from the 2021 U.S. Open, his recent results suggest he is close to that level. Analysts predict Medvedev will advance, with both Cheryl and Ricky favoring him in the second round. The other match pits Michelsen, the American world No. 40, against Tabilo, the Chilean world No. 41. This will be their first encounter, and Michelsen has been in strong form, defeating Taylor Fritz in Indian Wells and progressing smoothly in Miami. He defeated Mattia Bellucci in the first round and narrowly avoided a tough match against Cameron Norrie in the second. Tabilo, while not a clay-court specialist, has shown adaptability, particularly after overcoming a struggling Andrey Rublev in the second round.#miami_open #francisco_cerundolo #daniil_medvedev #alex_michelsen #alejandro_tabilo
ATP Miami Best Bets Featuring Medvedev vs Cerundolo The ATP Masters 1000 Miami tournament’s first round of 16 continues to present clear betting opportunities. Ugo Humbert holds a strong advantage over Alexander Shevchenko, Daniil Medvedev is favored against Francisco Cerundolo, and Felix Auger-Aliassime is expected to dominate Terence Atmane. Humbert’s matchup against Shevchenko on March 23, 2026, at 16:00 CEST is a key contest. Shevchenko has won three of his last five matches, including a three-set victory over Arnaldi in the opening round and a comeback win against Shelton in the second round. However, Humbert, who defeated Diallo in straight sets, has a 3-0 head-to-head record against Shevchenko. Bookmakers favor Humbert, and the prediction is a straight sets win. A 2-0 result is considered a value bet at 1.73 odds with bet365. Medvedev’s clash with Cerundolo on the same day at 17:00 CEST is another highlight. Cerundolo, who has won three of his last five matches, defeated Tirante in straight sets after trailing early. Medvedev, however, has a stronger recent form, winning four of his last five matches. Despite a recent final loss to Sinner in Indian Wells, Medvedev’s performance in Dubai and Miami suggests he will dominate. A -3.5 games handicap bet on Medvedev is recommended at 1.67 odds. Auger-Aliassime’s match against Atmane on March 23, 2026, at 17:30 CEST is a first-time encounter. Auger-Aliassime, who has won three of his last five matches, defeated Fucsovics in straight sets. Atmane, making his debut in the main draw, has lost three of his last five matches. Auger-Aliassime’s recent dominance and pressure-handling ability make him the favorite. A -3.5 games handicap bet on Auger-Aliassime is suggested at 1.80 odds.#francisco_cerundolo #daniil_medvedev #ugo_humbert #atp_masters_1000_miami #alexander_shevchenko
Cerundolo vs. Medvedev Prediction: Odds and Match Preview for Miami Open Round of 32 On Monday, March 23, the Miami Open presented by Itau will feature a Round of 32 clash between top-10-ranked Daniil Medvedev and 19th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo. Medvedev, the world No. 10, is favored to win the match with -350 odds, while Cerundolo, the world No. 19, is listed at +260. The contest will take place on a hard-court surface, a format where both players have demonstrated strong performance in recent months. The matchup is expected to draw significant attention due to the contrasting styles and recent form of the two competitors. Medvedev, known for his aggressive baseline play and consistent service game, has compiled a 38-13 record on hard courts over the past year, securing three tournament titles. His ability to convert break points has been a key factor in his success, with a 39.2% success rate on hard courts. Meanwhile, Cerundolo, a rising talent, has shown resilience in high-stakes matches, with a 13-10 record in hard-court tournaments over the last 12 months. Cerundolo’s performance statistics highlight his strengths on hard courts. He has won 74.5% of his service games and 27.8% of his return games, with a break point conversion rate of 43.6% (71 of 163). However, his recent tournament history includes a Round of 32 exit at the BNP Paribas Open, where he lost to Jack Draper in straight sets. Medvedev, on the other hand, narrowly missed out on a title at the same event, falling to Jannik Sinner in a closely contested final. The betting odds reflect the perceived advantage of Medvedev, who has a 82.4% service game win rate (497 wins in 603 games) and a 31.8% return game win rate (191 wins in 601 games).#bnp_paribas_open #miami_open #francisco_cerundolo #daniil_medvedev #itau
Daniil Medvedev’s Miami Open Performance Signals Strong Return Daniil Medvedev showcased his renewed form during the second round of the Miami Open, defeating 19-year-old Japanese player Rei Sakamoto in a closely contested match. The Russian, who had previously reached the ATP No. 1 ranking, demonstrated his return to peak competitiveness by outlasting Sakamoto, a rising talent with significant potential. The match highlighted Medvedev’s resilience and technical adjustments, while also underscoring Sakamoto’s emerging capabilities on the ATP tour. Sakamoto, who had matched Medvedev shot for shot during the first set, took an early lead in the tie-break, eventually securing the first set 11-9. The Japanese player’s composure under pressure suggested he was ready to make a strong impression on the global stage. However, his energy waned in the second set, allowing Medvedev to capitalize on key opportunities. The Russian’s ability to adapt his game, particularly his backhand, proved decisive as Sakamoto struggled to counter his aggressive play. Medvedev’s victory in the third set was decisive, with the Russian taking it 6-1 after a dominant display. The match revealed significant improvements in Medvedev’s serve, including a heightened jump and a longer reach at the point of contact. These adjustments boosted his first-serve percentage and increased the success rate of his service games by five percent, marking a critical step in his resurgence. His defensive skills, which have long been a hallmark of his game, now complemented by enhanced serve efficiency, position him as a formidable contender on hard courts. The outcome of the match also provided insights into Sakamoto’s development.#miami_open #daniil_medvedev #atp_tour #rei_sakamoto #us_open
Adjusting to surprisingly slow Miami conditions, Daniil Medvedev solved Rei Sakamoto The former No. 1 had a rough landing to the Hard Rock Stadium after suffering a delay on his luggage but made up for lost time on Saturday with a solid comeback over the Japanese teenager. Published Mar 21, 2026#tennis #miami #daniil_medvedev #hard_rock_stadium #rei_sakamoto
Monday, March 23 Miami Open 2026 Order of Play: Sinner starts the night session Jannik Sinner and Corentin Moutet have confirmed their schedule for their third-round clash at the 2026 Miami Open, set to take place on Monday, March 23. The match will be the first of the night session on Center Court, marking a significant moment in the tournament. The same court will host the day’s opening match between Daniil Medvedev and Francisco Cerúndolo, a highly anticipated encounter expected to draw considerable attention. In addition to the Center Court matches, the Grandstand will feature up to three men’s singles matches during the day. However, the schedule for women’s singles matches remains pending. The tournament’s order of play highlights the competitive nature of the event, with top players vying for positions in the later rounds. The Miami ATP Masters 1000 tournament’s schedule for the day was shared via a tweet, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the matchups. The automatic translation of the original Spanish-language news article notes that Sinner’s participation in the night session underscores his importance in the tournament. Other notable developments include Landaluce’s victory over Khachanov, which marked a significant win for the player. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s number-one ranking faces potential challenges as Sinner’s performance could threaten his position. The tournament also saw Korda’s unexpected victory over Alcaraz, a result that has sparked discussions about the competitiveness of the field. Players like Medvedev have expressed confidence in their ability to compete against top opponents, while others, such as Fritz and Sabalenka, have shared insights into their strategies and experiences.#jannik_sinner #francisco_cerundolo #daniil_medvedev #miami_open_2026 #corentin_moutet
Rafa Jódar se convierte en el jugador con más ingresos del año al clasificarse para la tercera ronda del Miami Open tras vencer al australiano Aleksandar Vukic. El madrileño, quien apenas un año atrás no participaba en el circuito profesional tras estar en la universidad de Virginia y figurar en el puesto 911 del mundo, ha consolidado su posición como figura destacada de la temporada. Después de asegurar su plaza en el top 100 al superar la fase inicial del torneo, Jódar dio un nuevo paso adelante al derrotar a Vukic en 55 minutos con un marcador de 6-1 y 6-2. Este logro lo sitúa en la tercera ronda del segundo Masters 1000 del año, donde enfrentará al ganador del partido entre Tomas Etcheverry y Zizou Bergs. Vukic, quien entró como 'lucky loser' tras la retirada de Lorenzo Musetti, no pudo resistirse al ritmo de un Jódar que ha demostrado una consistencia notable. Con 18 victorias en el año, el jugador español iguala la marca de Daniil Medvedev, quien también ha conseguido 18 triunfos en 2026. La progresión de Jódar se refleja también en su posición en el ranking. En apenas dos meses y medio, ha subido 86 puestos, pasando del 168 al 86. Sus ganancias, que ascendieron a 656.271 dólares gracias a su actuación en la segunda parte de la pasada temporada y su buen arranque en esta, lo convierten en el jugador más remunerado del año. Además de su éxito en el circuito profesional, Jódar ha llamado la atención del seleccionador nacional de la Copa Davis, David Ferrer, quien ya lo tiene en cuenta para el playoff contra Chile en septiembre, clasificatorio para las Finales de Bolonia. Esta combinación de logros en el tenis y su participación en el ámbito internacional reflejan su consolidación como uno de los referentes del deporte en la actualidad.#miami_open #daniil_medvedev #aleksandar_vukic #rafa_jodar #david_ferrer
Daniil Medvedev plays the villain, upsets Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells semis Carlos Alcaraz described Daniil Medvedev’s semifinal victory at the BNP Paribas Open as a performance he had never seen before, calling it “unreal.” The Russian, seeded 11th, stunned the top-seeded Alcaraz with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win on Saturday, sending the Spanish star to his first loss of the year. The result shifted the final’s potential matchup, eliminating a highly anticipated clash between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the world’s top two players. Medvedev, who had previously been dubbed “Malvadao” by Brazilian fans—a term meaning “villain” or “the bad guy”—embraced the label, stating, “I guess on the court I am. In life, I’m not at all this guy.” The nickname resonated during his semifinal match, where he delivered a nearly flawless display of power, precision, and composure. Despite Alcaraz’s highlight-reel forehand shots, Medvedev maintained control, breaking serve early in the first set and holding throughout. The match’s intensity escalated in the second set, where Alcaraz briefly took a break lead, only for Medvedev to rally with his physical advantages. The 6-foot-6 Russian saved multiple break points, including a crucial one in the 10th game, before sealing the set with an ace and a net shot. In the tiebreaker, Medvedev dominated, converting six of his first seven points, including several off Alcaraz’s first serves. Alcaraz admitted to being surprised by Medvedev’s aggression, noting, “How aggressive he played all the time… he didn’t miss as much as I expected.” Despite his efforts, Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak was snapped, marking his first loss of 2026.#jannik_sinner #bnpparibas_open #carlos_alcaraz #daniil_medvedev #dual_lipa
Indian Wells: Jannik Sinner to Face Daniil Medvedev in Maiden California Final Daniil Medvedev ended world number one Carlos Alcaraz’s flawless start to 2026 by defeating him in the Indian Wells final, setting up a showdown against Jannik Sinner. The Russian, who had previously reached the California event’s final twice, secured a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory over the Spaniard, who had begun the year with an Australian Open title and a 16-match winning streak. Medvedev’s win marked his second ATP Tour title of 2026 and extended his personal winning streak to nine matches. Alcaraz, who had been dominant in 2025, admitted Medvedev’s performance was exceptional. “He played unreal from start to finish,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve never seen Daniil play like this before.” Medvedev, a 2021 US Open champion, took both break-point opportunities in the first set and prevailed in a tense tie-break in the second. His victory also ended a run of four consecutive losses to Alcaraz, who had previously beaten him in their 11 matches. The Russian’s path to the final included a quarter-final win over defending champion Jack Draper, further solidifying his form. Medvedev emphasized the significance of facing top players regardless of rankings. “It doesn’t matter the ranking,” he said. “Playing them and beating them is what makes it special.” Meanwhile, Sinner advanced to his first California final after a 6-2 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev. The 24-year-old Italian, who has won 21 of his 24 ATP Tour titles on hard courts, aims to join Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men to claim all six ATP Masters 1,000 hard-court titles. Sinner’s victory over Zverev, which lasted just over an hour and 23 minutes, showcased his precision and adaptability. “I tried to mix up my game and stay precise,” Sinner said.#jannik_sinner #indian_wells #carlos_alcaraz #daniil_medvedev #jack_draper
Medvedev Ends Alcaraz’s Winning Streak, Sets Up Sinner Final at Indian Wells Open Daniil Medvedev ended Carlos Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak with a hard-fought victory at the Indian Wells Open, setting up a final showdown against second-seeded Jannik Sinner. The 11th-seeded Russian defeated the world number one 6-3, 7-6 (3) on Saturday, marking his first win over Alcaraz since the 2023 US Open semifinals. The result ended the possibility of a final between Alcaraz and Sinner, as Medvedev advanced to the championship after a grueling journey from the Middle East. Medvedev’s path to the tournament was complicated by the ongoing regional conflict. The player, who had just won the Dubai Tennis Championship on February 28, was stranded in the United Arab Emirates for three days following the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Airspace closures initially prevented his departure, forcing him to cross into Oman by land after a six-hour drive with fellow players Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. From Oman, he flew to Istanbul before arriving in the US two days before his opening matches. “You feel like you’re in a Hollywood movie,” Medvedev said in a Russian media interview, describing his multi-leg journey. The Russian’s travel challenges extended to missing the Eisenhower Cup, a one-night doubles event he had been scheduled to play on March 3. Meanwhile, Sinner secured his place in the final with a swift 6-2, 6-4 victory over fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev. The Italian broke Zverev’s serve in the fifth and seventh games of the first set, ending the German’s perfect record on his service points. Sinner now leads their head-to-head series 7-4, though he has yet to drop a set in the tournament.#jannik_sinner #united_arab_emirates #carlos_alcaraz #daniil_medvedev #indian_wells_open
Medvedev Advances to Indian Wells Final with Victory Over Alcaraz Daniil Medvedev, the 11th-seeded Russian player, secured his first win against top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in this year’s Indian Wells tournament, advancing to the final with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory on Saturday. The match marked a significant breakthrough for Medvedev, who had previously lost his last four encounters against Alcaraz, including a 2024 final at the same event. This win ended Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak in 2025, which included titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. Medvedev’s triumph also ended a long drought of losses against Alcaraz, as his previous victory over the Spanish player had come during the 2023 U.S. Open semifinals. Medvedev’s path to the final now sets him up for a showdown against second-seeded Italian player Jannik Sinner, who defeated fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. Sinner’s victory was swift, lasting just 1 hour and 23 minutes, and highlighted his dominance on serve. The Italian player recorded six aces against Zverev, who had previously won his first eight points on serve. Sinner broke Zverev in both the fifth and seventh games of the first set, extending his head-to-head lead over Zverev to 7-4. This win also marks Sinner’s third consecutive victory against Zverev, following earlier matches in 2024. Both Medvedev and Sinner have remained undefeated in this tournament, with Sinner having defeated Medvedev in their previous three meetings, including the 2024 U.S. Open quarterfinals. The final will be a highly anticipated clash between the two players, who have both shown strong form this season. Medvedev’s win over Alcaraz has eliminated the possibility of a final between Alcaraz and Sinner, shifting the focus to the Russian and Italian players.#jannik_sinner #alexander_zverev #carlos_alcaraz #daniil_medvedev #taylor_townsend
