©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Mauricio Paiz
Jannik Sinner makes Italian tennis history. By defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6 7-6 in the final, the South Tyrolean became the first Italian to win the Indian Wells Masters 1000. This achievement not only marks his first title of the season, but also his sixth Masters 1000 title and his 100th victory in this category. A feat that places him alongside legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
But Sinner didn't just think of himself: he dedicated his victory to Kimi Antonelli, who crossed the finish line first in the Shanghai Grand Prix, becoming the first Italian driver to win since Giancarlo Fisichella 20 years ago. To congratulate him, the tennis player - a great Formula 1 enthusiast like his brother - wrote "Bravo Kimi" on the camera lens.
On the podium, during the trophy presentation, he once again offered his congratulations to Kimi, in a moment that brought together tennis and motorsport and celebrated two young Italian talents:
"It's a special day: I'm a great Formula 1 fan and I think it's fantastic to have a young driver like Kimi Antonelli carrying Italy's colors high."
Responding to criticism and making progress
After a complicated start to the 2026 season, Sinner has proved that he knows how to turn criticism into a source of motivation. The Italian player was eliminated by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, before surprisingly losing to young Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals of the Rotterdam tournament. This victory dispels all doubts and confirms the tactical maturity of the world number 2.
Sinner handled the high tension moments perfectly, keeping calm and in control of the match, without conceding a single break point to Medvedev. His solid strategy and powerful serve enabled him to close out the match in two sets, avoiding a third that could have been a trap. A triumph that not only erases past disappointments, but fully re-launches his race towards the top of the ATP rankings, with his sights set on the 'Sunshine Double' in Miami, where Sinner will be aiming to confirm his regularity on American hard court.
(©GreenMe.it 2026/Managing editor : Julie Morgan - The Press Junction/Picture : picture alliance / NurPhoto | Mauricio Paiz)