Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from reclaiming his world number 1 ranking after defeating Jannik Sinner to secure a spot in the BNP Paribas Open final in Indian Wells.
The 19-year-old Spaniard defeated Sinner 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 in a thrilling semifinal and will now face Russian Daniil Medvedev, who beat Frances 7-5 7-6 (7-4). Tiafoe.
In a repeat of their epic US Open quarterfinal clash last year, Alcaraz secured an early break to take a 4-2 lead before his Italian opponent won three straight games.
However, Sinner squandered a set point opportunity and Alcaraz led him to a tiebreaker which he won, signaling a change in momentum as the teenager cruised to victory in two hours.
The Spanish teenager trailed Sinner 6-5 before rallying to win his semi-final in two hours.
If he beats Medvedev in Sunday’s final, Alcaraz will regain the top spot in the rankings, having originally risen to the top after his US Open success six months ago.
World number 6 Medvedev eventually beat Tiafoe in a grueling encounter to record his 19th straight win and reach the Indian Wells final for the first time.
Tiafoe, who had defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the previous round, managed to save seven match points before ultimately succumbing to defeat.
Meanwhile, Great Britain Neal Skupski, Paired by Dutchman Wesley Koolhof, he narrowly missed out on victory in the doubles final as he lost 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 to Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden.
