(Reuters) – Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Jannik Sinner 1-6 6-3 6-2 on Saturday, securing a spot in the Indian Wells final and snapping the Italian’s impressive 16-match winning streak. Australian Open champion Sinner had been dominating the tour this year and seemed set to dominate the match as well, especially after clinching the first set in just 34 minutes before a three-hour rain delay interrupted play.
However, Alcaraz turned the tide in the second set, breaking Sinner’s serve with a powerful forehand that set up a winning volley, giving him a 3-1 lead. He then surprised Sinner with a drop shot that even the speedy Italian couldn’t reach, leading to a decider between the two young rivals.
As Sinner served in the third set, he made a desperate dive near the net to keep a ball in play on break point, but Alcaraz’s athletic volley secured the break. Sinner appeared to be in discomfort with his left hand following the exchange. Alcaraz capitalized on Sinner’s sudden errors to go up a double break, leading 4-1, and ultimately sealed the win with a crosscourt forehand winner, preventing Sinner from claiming the world number two ranking.
“I stayed strong mentally and that’s very important,” Alcaraz remarked after his victory. “I had to run more, defend better than I did in the first set, put more balls in, and stay strong on the court.”
Alcaraz will now await the winner of the match between American Tommy Paul and fourth seed Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by William Mallard)
