This year, Daniil Medvedev finished as the runner-up at the Indian Wells Masters for the third time in his career. After his defeat against Jannik Sinner, Medvedev reflected on denying Carlos Alcaraz a chance to face the Italian in the final at Tennis Paradise.
Before 2026, Medvedev had already finished as the runner-up twice at this ATP Masters 1000 hard-court tournament in California: in 2023 and 2024, when he lost to Alcaraz in both championship matches.
Daniil Medvedev Makes His Feelings Known After Losing to Jannik Sinner in Indian Wells Masters 2026 Final
Medvedev was seeded 11th at the 2026 Indian Wells Masters, beginning his campaign in the second round following a first-round bye. He won his opening match against Alejandro Tabilo and then eliminated Sebastián Báez and Alex Michelsen in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, the former World No. 1 defeated defending champion Jack Draper and secured his place in the final by overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. In the championship match, he faced Sinner and lost 6-7 (6), 6-7 (4).
Following his defeat, Medvedev congratulated Sinner during the finalist speech, praising him for playing “amazing” tennis. He expressed that he enjoys watching Sinner and Alcaraz compete against each other and noted that he was “happy” to have denied Alcaraz another chance to face Sinner at Indian Wells.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate Jannik,” Medvedev said. “I mean, amazing tennis. Tough to play against. Tried my best, and it was a good match. Big congrats to you for everything you’re doing whenever you play Carlos [Alcaraz]. I love to see it. So now I was happy to not let Carlos play you again, but love watching you guys. Love what you do. Go for it. Continue winning and never stop, and to your team as well.”
Medvedev also thanked his team for their hard work and expressed gratitude to his family, who were unable to travel with him but supported him from home.
“I would like to thank my team sitting there. Tomas [Johansson], Leandro, Gaetan. We’ll try better next time, but good week in general, after especially a long travel with Tomas,” he said. “So thanks a lot, guys. I would like to thank my family who supported me from home this week because it’s a bit far from where we live. They’re my biggest support, and hopefully I can win it next time for them.”
Daniil Medvedev thanks his family, tournaments organizers and tennis fans in his runner-up speech 🎤
He was also feeling grateful for the faster court speeds this year 😂#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/QvO4qrO31w
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 15, 2026
In his speech, Medvedev also thanked the organizers, Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas, and everyone involved in the smooth running of the event. He even joked about the court being “faster” for him this year.
Finally, Medvedev thanked the fans for their support, especially while he played against favorites such as Alcaraz and Sinner.
“And then thank you, guys. I mean, I know when I play Carlos, Jannik, maybe Novak [Djokovic], maybe someone like this, the support is not going to be completely on my side, but I felt like you were a fair play yesterday and today. So thanks a lot for the support, and see you next year,” Medvedev added.
Looking ahead, Medvedev is scheduled to compete next at the 2026 Miami Open, which will take place from March 17 to March 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Russian previously won the tournament in 2023 by defeating Sinner in the final
