History was the backdrop to Jannik Sinner’s Indian Wells campaign, and the 24-year-old delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. His 7-6(6), 7-6(4) victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final completed a historic clean sweep of every major hard-court title in professional tennis, a feat achieved without dropping a set across the entire fortnight.
The tournament had been building towards a Sinner title from the moment he stepped on court in the first round. His combination of powerful serving, precise groundstrokes, and exceptional tactical intelligence made him the standout player in a strong field.
Medvedev was the last opponent standing, and he made Sinner work hard for the final point. The Russian’s semi-final win over Sinner at a previous event had given him confidence, and he took the final to two tiebreaks in a display of excellent tennis.
The 4-0 advantage Medvedev built in the second tiebreak was the closest any opponent came to stopping Sinner’s march, but the world number one’s seven-point response was clinical and definitive. It ended the contest and completed a historic achievement.
In the women’s draw, Sabalenka delivered her own piece of history by ending her four-match losing run against Rybakina. Her 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) title victory — accompanied by a match-point save and the most personal of week’s — was a triumphant conclusion to an unforgettable Indian Wells fortnight.