Saturday\u2019s news from the 2026 Indian Wells Open includes Jannik Sinner being backed to end Carlos Alcaraz\u2019s winning streak and Aryna Sabalenka making a clear statement.<\/p>\n
We also have news of the winners and losers from Indian Wells from a WTA Rankings perspective, featuring Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva and Alex Eala.<\/p>\n
Here is our latest round-up of the biggest headlines from Indian Wells and elsewhere in the tennis world.<\/p>\n
Sinner backed to beat Alcaraz in Indian Wells final<\/p>\n
Alcaraz and Sinner are each one win away from setting up a blockbuster Indian Wells final, which would be their first match of 2026.<\/p>\n
In the semi-finals, world No 1 Alcaraz will take on Daniil Medvedev, while second-ranked Sinner will meet Alexander Zverev.<\/p>\n
Former world No 4 Greg Rusedski has predicted that Sinner will beat Alcaraz in the championship match \u2014 an outcome that would end the Spaniard\u2019s unbeaten start to 2026.<\/p>\n
Read more: Jannik Sinner faces a crucial moment that could define Carlos Alcaraz rivalry<\/a><\/p>\n Rybakina, Swiatek and Eala among the WTA Rankings Winners & Losers from Indian Wells<\/p>\n Rybakina is through to the Indian Wells final, and she is set to climb to a new career-high ranking of world No 2, with Swiatek \u2014 who exited in the quarter-finals \u2014 dropping to third.<\/p>\n Eala is another big WTA Rankings winner from Indian Wells as she is set to climb four places to her new best position of 28th after reaching the fourth round.<\/p>\n Andreeva, meanwhile, will drop from eighth to 10th place after her title defence ended with a surprise third round defeat.<\/p>\n Read more: WTA Rankings Winners & Losers Indian Wells Open: Rybakina overtakes Swiatek with Eala +4, Gibson +45<\/a><\/p>\n Sabalenka makes a statement ahead of Rybakina final showdown<\/p>\n Sabalenka and Rybakina will face off in the Indian Wells final in a rematch of the 2026 Australian Open championship match.<\/p>\n World No 1 Sabalenka lost to Rybakina in Melbourne after leading 3-1 in the final set \u2014 her sixth defeat in her last 10 finals.<\/p>\n The Belarusian has asserted that she is \u201cso done\u201d with losing in big finals before her latest opportunity to claim a prestigious prize.<\/p>\n Read more: Aryna Sabalenka \u2018so done with losing big finals\u2019 ahead of Elena Rybakina Indian Wells showdown<\/a><\/p>\n Tim Henman says tennis does not \u2018need\u2019 five-set women\u2019s matches<\/p>\n Craig Tiley, the former Tennis Australia CEO who recently joined the United States Tennis Association, sparked debate when he called for best-of-five set matches to be introduced in women\u2019s singles at Grand Slams.<\/p>\n Former world No 4 Tim Henman made his position on the topic clear in an exclusive interview with Tennis 365.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t think we need to do this, from a history and tradition standpoint,\u201d Henman said.\u00a0\u201cThe Grand Slams are working just fine. \u201d<\/p>\n Read more: Tim Henman gives his verdict on female players competing in five-set matches at Grand Slams<\/a><\/p>\n Miami Open News<\/p>\n Indian Wells will conclude with the singles finals on Sunday, and the second leg of the Sunshine Double will get underway in Miami on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Here is our latest coverage of the Miami Open:<\/p>\n Miami Open withdrawal list: 8 players out, will Novak Djokovic play after Indian Wells exit?<\/a><\/p>\n Miami Open: Wildcards confirmed as Venus Williams headlines 13-strong list<\/a><\/p>\n 2026 Miami Open: What prize money and ranking points will be on offer?<\/a><\/p>\n