Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 Indian Wells Masters after impressive wins over Denis Shapovalov and Brandon Nakashima.
Sinner Dominates Shapovalov
World number two Jannik Sinner took another step toward his first Indian Wells title, breezing past Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2. Despite a slow start, Sinner quickly gained control after dropping his serve early, responding confidently with two breaks.
After securing the first set, Sinner controlled the second set and closed it out with a break for a 5-2 lead, finishing the match comfortably with a love game. “I tried to stay solid on the baseline but also a bit more aggressive in the second set,” Sinner said after his victory.
Sinner will next face 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, who made his own mark by defeating Tommy Paul 6-2, 6-3. Fonseca, known for his powerful groundstrokes, is eager to test himself against Sinner. “It’s going to be a pleasure – and hopefully I can get the win,” he said.
Zverev Survives Nakashima Test
Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev fought off a tough challenge from Brandon Nakashima, winning 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-4. Zverev struggled to break Nakashima’s serve, not earning a break point until the third set. He eventually made it count, breaking Nakashima’s serve in the final game to seal the win.
“He has an incredible serve, and you don’t think about that,” Zverev said. Nakashima hit 17 aces, but Zverev capitalized on his only break opportunity to win the match. Zverev now holds a 5-0 record against Nakashima, and will face either Flavio Cobolli or Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals.
Rising Star Learner Tien Upsets Shelton
In a surprising result, 18-year-old Learner Tien knocked out eighth-seeded Ben Shelton 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3. Tien hit 15 aces, while Shelton, struggling with an illness, only managed eight. Tien praised Shelton’s competitive spirit despite his challenges: “He’s an amazing competitor and gave it his all.”
Tien now faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who beat Jakub Mensik 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
As the competition heats up, players like Sinner, Zverev, and Tien continue to impress, while matchups with Fonseca, Cobolli, and Davidovich Fokina are expected to bring more exciting action at Indian Wells.
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