Jannik Sinner was full of praise for Daniil Medvedev after beating him in the Indian Wells final.
Sinner made tennis history after beating Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4), to win Indian Wells for the first time in his career.
Although he was unable to take home the title, it was another impressive week for Medvedev, who beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper en route to his first Masters 1000 final since 2024.
With Medvedev now confirmed to return to the top 10, Sinner has given his verdict on the Russian’s resurgent form in 2026.
Jannik Sinner claims Daniil Medvedev is ‘great’ for men’s tennis
In his post-match press conference after the Indian Wells final, Sinner was asked about the improvements Medvedev has made this year, after struggling for form in 2025.
Sinner was full of praise for Medvedev, claiming that men’s tennis is better when he is in good form.
What will Daniil Medvedev’s ranking be at the end of the 2026 season?
Could Medvedev make a return to the top five?
“No, I feel like he’s playing great, great tennis,” answered Sinner. “He was very confident, you know, winning already couple of titles this year, and, you know, coming here, and then performing very, very well.
“We don’t have to forget he’s a Grand Slam champion, you know, and that’s for a reason. He played great tennis, serving very well, and I struggled to return, especially on the second-serve return.
“But, you know, I do believe that tennis needs him. He’s a very unique style of playing. Seeing him back at this level, it’s great. He’s improving a lot.
“Very aggressive player at the end. He has two different game styles when he serves and when he returns. So, you know, you have to face that. Yeah, it’s great for the sport having him again playing this level.”
Jannik Sinner could make history at the Miami Open
Both Sinner and Medvedev will now have little time until their next tournament at the Miami Open, where they are both former champions.
Medvedev actually beat Sinner in the 2023 Miami Open final, but the Italian went on to win the title one year later.
Following Sinner’s ban from tennis, he was unable to defend his title at the Miami Open last year and will look to reclaim victory at the Floridian Masters 1000 event.
Not only will Sinner hope to win the Miami Open again, but he will also look to make history by completing the sunshine double.
Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?
If so, which tournament would it be?
Only seven men have won Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the same year before, with Novak Djokovic the most recent to achieve this feat after doing it for the fourth time in his career in 2016.
While he is not bidding for the sunshine double, Medvedev has a great opportunity to keep rising up the rankings after losing his only match at the Miami Open last year.
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