Indian Wells Men’s SF: Alcaraz v Sinner, Medvedev v Paul

It’s not the Big, but rather the New 3 on men’s semifinal day at the Indian Wells Masters.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are making a habit of reaching the last four of big events of late. Tommy Paul, who’s improved the last 14 months, also joins in the party.

Alcaraz takes on Sinner in the best new rivalry in tennis. Sinner has won the last two and four of seven but Alcaraz defeated him in this round last year end route to his title.

The two have won two of the last three Slams and figure to add to their career haul later this year. Alcaraz, though, hasn’t won a title since Wimbledon while Sinner is 16-0 this year and has won his last 19 since losing to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals.

“I don’t know how I’m gonna approach the game, how I’m gonna approach the match. He’s the best tennis player in the world right now, without a doubt,” Alcaraz said.

“I think the last two matches that I have played against him I lost, so I have to adjust a little bit my game and let’s see how it’s gonna be. But for sure it’s gonna be the most difficult match that I’m gonna play this year.”

“Carlos, it’s always fun to play with him,” Sinner said. “We are good friends off the court. On the court, we just try to give 100%, no?

“I think we have a good attitude on court. Usually the matches are good. Last year against him, especially here on this court, I struggled a lot. He played much better than me, which then two weeks after I played Miami against him where I won, so, you know, let’s see.”

In the second match, Medvedev looks to return to the final against the American Paul. Medvedev leads Paul 2-0 in their series. For Paul, this is his second Masters semifinal and would be his biggest final ever. It’s the fourth straight year with an American man into the last four.

“I’m pumped about that,” Paul said. “I didn’t know. I mean, I kind of knew but I didn’t know I had to win today to keep that streak alive. So, yeah, that’s awesome. Pumped for the U.S. fans that we have produced some pretty good results here. Like I said, I want to keep winning and keep going.”

Medvedev is ready for the challenge.

“He seems to be playing well,” Medvedev said. “I think first match against Michelsen I was in the lounge waiting for my match. I saw it. I think he won pretty easy. I saw actually the first set today, which he won easily. I didn’t see the rest of the match. He seems to be playing well. We actually practiced before the tournament, played two games, broke each other, normal for Indian Wells.

“Looking forward. We didn’t have that many matches so looking forward for a tough battle.”

INDIAN WELLS SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Stadium 1
1:30pm
(3) Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs (2) Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
(17) Tommy Paul (USA) vs (4) Daniil Medvedev (RUS)