Alexander Zverev thwarts Arthur Fils’ firepower, reaches Indian Wells SF maiden ATP Tour event
Indian Wells
Zverev joins Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Murray in record-breaking
The world No. 4 will face either Sinner or Next Generation ATP Finals champion Tenn in Indian Wells, San Francisco.
March 12, 2026
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Alexander Zverev is the fifth player to reach the semifinals in all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
Written by ATP Staff
Alexander Zverev set a new record at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday afternoon in mild weather, beating Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-3 to reach his first semi-final at Indian Wells.
Twelve months ago, Zverev left the California desert disappointed after a frustrating second-round loss to Talon Grixpoor. However, the German looks much improved upon his return in 2026, and by reaching the semi-finals, he became just the fifth player to complete the last four matches in all nine ATP Masters 1000 events since the series began in 1990, joining former world number one Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
California Dream🌴@AlexZverev After defeating Phils 6-2, 6-3, he is still two wins away from his first Indian Wells championship!@BNPPARIBASOPEN | #tennisparadise pic.twitter.com/Chlaekx6MD
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 12, 2026
“It was definitely a great match,” said Zverev, who improved to 5-2 in the Lexus ATP Showdown series with Fiers. “Arthur is one of the best players in the world when he’s healthy. He was in the top 10 last year but injuries stopped him. I’m sure he’ll be back to that level soon.”
After defeating Fiers in 82 minutes, Zverev now awaits world No. 2 Jannik Sinner or reigning Next Generation ATP Finals champion Learner Tien. This week, seven-time Masters 1000 champion Zverev won the Indian Wells championship for the first time. He will surpass Djokovic and regain the third position in the PIF ATP rankings.
Fiers has been steadily rediscovering his best form since returning from a back injury that sidelined him for eight months last month. The 21-year-old Frenchman reached the ATP 500 final in Doha, where he lost to top seed Carlos Alcaraz, and then produced a fine performance to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round at Indian Wells.
However, Zverev absorbed the Frenchman’s strength and changed direction with precision, often mixing in lobs to disrupt the rhythm of the rallies, a tactic that proved particularly effective in this situation. Zverev also saved all three break points he faced and hit seven aces, according to Infosys ATP statistics.
