Daniil Medvedev will play in his fourth ATP final within five weeks! An in-form Russian defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6 in the Indian Wells semi-final to advance into his first title clash in the desert. Thus, Daniil has won 19 consecutive matches since Rotterdam, seeking the fourth title in a row in Sunday’s final against Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. Medvedev is through to his first Masters 1000 final since Paris 2021, prevailing over the home star despite several setbacks in the second set’s closing stages. Daniil produced nine consecutive holds and forged a 7-5, 5-3 advantage. The American fended off three match points on serve in the ninth game and four more on the return at 5-6 to introduce a tie break. Still, the Russian stayed calm and sealed the deal to extend his incredible streak. Medvedev fired nine aces and faced only three break points. He lost serve twice while serving for the victory and seized three out of 11 break chances to emerge at the top.
Daniil Medvedev is the first finalist in Indian Wells after beating Frances Tiafoe.
The better-ranked opponent built a massive advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes and forged the victory in that segment. Both players made a strong start behind the initial shot before Frances experienced three break points at 2-2. He saved them with quick points and brought the game home to remain on the positive side. There was nothing to separate them in the upcoming games, with both players serving well and keeping everything under control behind the initial shot. Daniil grabbed a break at 5-5 following a forehand down the line winner after a lucky net cord that sent him in front. The Russian held at love in game 12 to wrap up the opener 7-5 after 42 minutes. With a boost on his side, Medvedev cracked a forehand down the line winner at the start of the second set to secure a break and move closer to the finish line. The American finally created a break chance in game six, and the Russian saved it with a service winner before forging a 4-2 advantage.
Daniil held at love in game eight to move 5-3 up and force the rival to serve to stay in the match. Frances played against three match points in the ninth game and denied them to prolong the action and his chances. Medvedev served for the victory at 5-4 and lost serve after a costly double fault to bring the opponent back to 5-5. Instead of building on that, Frances lost serve at love in game 11 after Daniil’s forehand down the line winner. Medvedev served for the victory for the second time at 6-5 and created four more match points. He squandered them and allowed Tiafoe to break back and introduce a tie break. The Russian left seven match points behind and opened a 5-1 lead in the breaker. Frances climbed back to 4-6 before Daniil sealed the deal with an ace in the 11th point to emerge at the top and book a place in the final.
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