By Richard Pagliaro Thursday, March 12, 2026
Image source: BNP Paribas Open
INDIAN WELLS — The youth revolution hit a roadblock in the desert today.
second seed Jannik Sinner and the fourth seed. Alexander Zverev Both eliminated talented young challengers to reach the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open.
Jannik Sinner beats home favorites learner field On Court 1, after 66 minutes of play, he won 6-1, 6-2 and entered the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals for the third time.
Tian, 20, is the youngest American men’s Indian Wells quarterfinalist since his coach Michael Chang in 1992.
A win would have guaranteed the southpaw Tenn a top-20 finish for the first time, but Sinner cornered him from the start.
Tian saved two match points in the round of 16 to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), and his serve was sharp throughout the match.
Sinner scored 15 of the Southern California native’s 29 first-serve points today and converted four of his five break points. This is the second time Sinner has defeated Tian En in as many games. He previously swept his opponent 6-2, 6-2 in the Beijing final.
The Wimbledon champion led 4-1 in both sets.
“You know, physically, he’s improved a lot,” Sinner said of Tian. “So, of course, he’s going to be a very difficult player to play against in the future.
“He’s shown that in the past and now against incredible players. So it will be very interesting to see how he develops.
“Regarding the heat, I felt comfortable today. I came here early and it was very hot the week before the game, so that helped me, or it definitely helped me. Now, yeah, I’m trying to be ready for the next game.”
It was Sinner’s ninth consecutive victory at the ATP Masters 1000 level and sent the Rolex Paris Masters champion into the semifinals against Sinner. Alexander Zverev.
Focused Zverev beats 21-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fells Court 2 won 6-2, 6-3.
Zverev reached a milestone: He was the fifth man to reach the semifinals in all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
“Yeah, it’s very special to be one of the five players in history to do that,” Zverev said. “Of course, yes, it’s something I’m very proud of. Yes, it’s a great thing to do in your career.”
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Zverev said he was trying to show his aggression as he beat Fiers for the fifth time in seven matches. Zverev hit seven aces off a double fault and saved all three break points he faced.
“I thought I played faster today than I have in the past few games,” Zverev said. “I think I took away his timing and his ability to be very aggressive. I took away that ability from him, and when I was able to do that, I think it helped me a lot.”
Sinner has a 6-4 record against Zverev, including five straight wins against the German.
“It’s a tough game. You know, we know each other really well, so try to be consistent,” Sinner said of the semifinals. “At the same time, he’s definitely going to change things. So I have to be very careful.
“I’ve watched a few matches. He’s playing great tennis. So, yeah, try my best and play the best tennis I can. It’s changed the game a little bit based on when and how long we’re playing. You know, I’m looking forward to that. These are the games I practice for. Semifinals of big tournaments, the stage gets bigger and bigger, so it’s nice to be here.”
Former Olympic gold medalist Zverev said he was excited to take on the challenge of the world number two.
“I think our matches were pretty tight. Even the last few games were pretty tight, except for the one in Paris where I got injured,” Zverev said. “It’s always a challenge. He’s been one of the two best players in the world in the last two years. He and Carlos have won all the Grand Slams and all the major tournaments.
“It’s certainly a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
