Breaking down both Saturday semifinals, including Daniil Medvedev vs. Tommy Paul.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner
The summer of 2023 was highlighted by a thrilling new rivalry between Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The end of that season was defined by a nearly as fierce set of showdowns between Sinner and Djokovic.
Will the two younger members of that trivalry, Sinner and Alcaraz, give us the matchup that matters most in 2024?
The eighth edition of Sinneraz, or Janitos, or whatever mashup of names you prefer, will be held on Saturday, in the semifinals at Indian Wells. Sinner leads their head to head 4-3, and he won the last two meetings, in Miami and Beijing in 2023. Before that, Alcaraz had won two in a row, the first in a five-set classic at the 2022 US Open, and the second in a tough two-setter in the semis at Indian Wells a year ago.
Who will have the edge this time?
Will Sinner’s seemingly serene self-confidence carry him through yet another challenge? Or will Alcaraz’s desire to get his mojo back make the difference? No one would be surprised with either result.
I’ll say that Sinner will reign for another day, and I’ll hope that this is the start of a friendly tennis feud that takes center stage in 2024 and beyond.
Winner: Sinner
