When a player is operating at their absolute peak, every tournament becomes a showcase of what is possible in tennis. Jannik Sinner’s Indian Wells campaign — a fortnight without a dropped set, culminating in a 7-6(6), 7-6(4) final victory over Daniil Medvedev — was a gift to the sport from a player who appears to be reaching the very pinnacle of his powers.
Sinner had been at an extraordinary level for two consecutive seasons, but Indian Wells suggested he is entering an even more consistent phase of excellence. The combination of serving accuracy, groundstroke precision, and mental fortitude he displayed throughout the fortnight was simply exceptional.
Medvedev’s challenge in the final tested all three elements. The Russian’s aggressive game put Sinner’s serve under pressure, his returns threatened to create break-point opportunities, and his 4-0 lead in the second tiebreak demanded the highest mental response.
Sinner passed every test, producing seven consecutive points from 4-0 down to seal the title. It was the moment that confirmed Indian Wells 2026 as a showcase of the very best hard-court tennis the sport has to offer.
Sabalenka’s women’s title offered its own showcase of peak-level tennis. Her 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over Rybakina — featuring a match-point save and the most personal of celebrations — confirmed the women’s game is equally blessed with players operating at an extraordinary level.