Sinner Claims Indian Wells Title, Alcaraz Suffers First Loss of 2026

Jannik Sinner secured his first BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The victory marks a significant moment for the Italian, who capitalized on a prior upset where Medvedev eliminated Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.

Sinner and Sabalenka Crowned Champions

The 2026 Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament concluded with victories for both Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in the women’s final. Both champions received a prize of $1.15 million (approximately €1.01 million at current exchange rates).

Medvedev’s Upset Victory Over Alcaraz

Daniil Medvedev advanced to the final after a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win against top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This result ended Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak, which included titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. It was Medvedev’s first victory over Alcaraz since the 2023 US Open semifinals, having lost their last four encounters, including the 2024 Indian Wells final.

Sinner’s Path to the Title

Jannik Sinner reached the final by defeating Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4. He and Medvedev had not dropped a set throughout the tournament. Sinner had previously won three matches against Medvedev, including a quarterfinal victory at the 2024 US Open.

Prize Money Distribution

The total prize money distributed at the 2026 Indian Wells tournament amounted to $9,415,725 for both the ATP and WTA events. Runners-up Sinner and Rybakina each received $612,340 (approximately €536,000).

Indian Wells Champions: A Historical Overview

ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells Winners

• 2026: Jannik Sinner
• 2025: Jack Draper
• 2024: Carlos Alcaraz
• 2023: Carlos Alcaraz
• 2022: Taylor Fritz
• 2021: Cameron Norrie
• 2020: Not held
• 2019: Dominic Thiem
• 2018: Juan Martin del Potro
• 2017: Roger Federer
• 2016: Novak Djokovic
• 2015: Novak Djokovic
• 2014: Novak Djokovic
• 2013: Rafa Nadal
• 2012: Roger Federer
• 2011: Novak Djokovic
• 2010: Ivan Ljubicic
• 2009: Rafa Nadal
• 2008: Novak Djokovic
• 2007: Rafa Nadal
• 2006: Roger Federer
• 2005: Roger Federer
• 2004: Roger Federer
• 2003: Lleyton Hewitt
• 2002: Lleyton Hewitt
• 2001: Andre Agassi
• 2000: Alex Corretja
• 1999: Mark Philippoussis
• 1998: Marcelo Rios
• 1997: Michael Chang
• 1996: Michael Chang
• 1995: Pete Sampras
• 1994: Pete Sampras
• 1993: Jim Courier
• 1992: Michael Chang
• 1991: Jim Courier
• 1990: Stefan Edberg
• 1989: Miloslav Mecir Sr.
• 1988: Boris Becker
• 1987: Boris Becker
• 1986: Joakim Nystrom
• 1985: Larry Stefanki
• 1984: Jimmy Connors
• 1983: Jose Higueras
• 1982: Yannick Noah
• 1981: Jimmy Connors
• 1979: Roscoe Tanner
• 1978: Roscoe Tanner
• 1977: Brian Gottfried
• 1976: Jimmy Connors

WTA 1000 Indian Wells Winners

• 2026: A. Sabalenka
• 2025: M. Andreeva
• 2024: I. Swiatek
• 2023: E. Rybakina
• 2022: I. Swiatek
• 2021: P. Badosa
• 2020: Not disputed
• 2019: B. Andreescu
• 2018: N. Osaka
• 2017: E. Vesnina
• 2016: V. Azarenka
• 2015: S. Halep
• 2014: F. Pennetta
• 2013: M. Sharapova
• 2012: V. Azarenka
• 2011: C. Wozniacki
• 2010: J. Jankovic
• 2009: V. Zvonareva
• 2008: A. Ivanovic
• 2007: D. Hantuchova
• 2006: M. Sharapova
• 2005: K. Clijsters
• 2004: J. Henin
• 2003: K. Clijsters
• 2002: D. Hantuchova
• 2001: S. Williams
• 2000: L. Davenport
• 1999: S. Williams
• 1998: M. Hingis
• 1997: L. Davenport
• 1996: S. Graf
• 1995: M. Fernandez
• 1994: S. Graf
• 1993: M. Fernandez
• 1992: M. Seles
• 1991: M. Navratilova
• 1990: M. Navratilova
• 1989: M. Maleeva-Fragniere