Jannik Sinner overcame Alexander Zverev in straight sets to reach the Indian Wells Open final.

Sinner prevailed 6-2 6-4 to set up a showdown against either Daniil Medvedev or his great rival Carlos Alcaraz.

The world number two had slipped out in the semi-finals in his past two appearances at Indian Wells, but this time he got over the line and into the championship match for the first time in California.

Zverev won the first eight points on his own serve, but Sinner got the better of him at the third time of asking in the opening set, and repeated the trick in the German's next service game.

Number four seed Zverev fended off three break points in the first game of set two, but Sinner eventually nosed himself ahead at 4-3, and served out the win at the first time of asking.

“It's a great achievement. The first time here in the final, it means a lot to me," said Sinner, who has made his first showpiece match of 2026.

"The third time that I've played the semis here, so I'm very happy about that. Now let's see what’s coming. Of course, the next one will be a very tough test, but I'm extremely happy. We have improved this week, this tournament, and that for me was the most important part.

"It was a great performance from my side. I broke him a couple of times in the first set, which gave me confidence to continue, and I served very well at important moments. I'm very happy."

Data Debrief: Sinner into an elite club

Sinner has reached the final while conceding under 30 games. Only Roger Federer (2004, 2017 and 2019) and Novak Djokovic (2007, 2011 and 2015) have reached the Indian Wells Open final previously while giving up less than 30 games (in the 21st century).

In fact, Sinner has yet to lose a set. The 24-year-old is the first player to reach the final at successive ATP Masters 1000 events without conceding a set since Andy Murray in 2016.

Since 1990, Sinner is now the sixth player to reach the final at six ATP Masters 1000 events on hard court after Rafael Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, Murray and Medvedev.