Alexander Zverev reaches Indian Wells semi-finals to join elite Big Four
Alexander Zverev has become only the fifth player in history to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments after defeating Arthur Fils at Indian Wells.
The German fourth seed claimed a confident 6-2 6-3 victory over the Frenchman to advance to the last four of the California-based event for the very first time.
By completing his set of Masters semi-final appearances, he joins a highly exclusive club featuring only Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“It’s very special to be one of five players in history to ever do it,” Zverev said.
“For sure, yeah, it’s something that I’m very proud of.”
Sinner awaits in daunting semi-final clash
Despite claiming titles at five of the nine prestigious Masters events, the world number four has never managed to secure a Grand Slam crown.
He will now face a difficult task to reach the Indian Wells final, needing to break a five-match losing streak against Jannik Sinner.
The reigning Wimbledon champion sealed his own spot in the semi-finals with a rapid 66-minute 6-1 6-2 victory over American Learner Tien.
The Italian is bidding for his first title of the 2026 season following recent exits at the Australian Open and Qatar Open.
Sabalenka survives tough Mboko test
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka kept her hopes of a maiden Indian Wells title alive by holding off Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
The Belarusian edged a tight opening set before securing a hard-fought 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 victory over the resilient 19-year-old.
“A future star, a future Grand Slam champion, no doubt about that,” Sabalenka said of her opponent.
“It’s incredible to see these young girls these days, how brave they are. They go out there, they go after their shots, they’re aggressive, they’re fighting.”
The two-time Indian Wells runner-up will next face 14th seed Linda Noskova for a place in the final.
The Czech player ended Australian qualifier Talia Gibson’s remarkable run with a battling 6-2 4-6 6-2 win.
