Alcaraz hands Sinner first 2024 loss to return to Indian Wells final

INDIAN WELLS - Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz handed Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner his first defeat of 2024 to return to the Indian Wells ATP Masters final on Saturday, beating the Italian 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The victory ended Sinner's 19-match winning streak, including a 16-0 start to the year, and insures Alcaraz will remain No. 2 in the world rankings next week.

In Sunday's final, he will face either fourth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev or American Tommy Paul with a chance to become the first repeat Indian Wells ATP champion since Novak Djokovic won three straight titles from 2014-2016.

A match disrupted by an early three-hour rain delay proved worth the wait, the pulsating rallies thrilling the Stadium Court crowd.

"Matches with Jannik are always special," Alcaraz said. "I always demand the highest level from myself against him and it's the same for him.

"We know we have to play at our highest level to win. We have put magic on the court, unbelievable points and for the crowd it is also wonderful."

Sinner quickly seized the initiative when play resumed, using his depth and accuracy to win four straight games to pocket the first set.

He saved the only break point he faced, and gained the insurance break for a 5-1 lead, pouncing on a short ball for a stinging cross-court passing winner on break point.

Alcaraz responded in the second set with a savvy change of style, backing up to give himself more time on the returns and gradually working his way into the match.

He broke Sinner with a deep volley winner for a 3-1 lead and held for 4-1 in a game that had fans on their feet cheering a thrilling rally at the net.

Sinner had opportunities, but was unable to convert after giving himself a break chance in the seventh game with a blistering service return.

Alcaraz saved another break chance with an impossible backhand winner down the line and sealed the set with a drop-shot winner.