Indian Wells
\n Zverev joins Nadal, Djokovic, Federer & Murray in record books<\/p>\n
World No. 4 will meet Sinner or Next Gen ATP Finals champion Tien in Indian Wells SF<\/p>\n
March 12, 2026<\/p>\n
Matthew Stockman\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Alexander Zverev is the fifth man to complete the set of semi-finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
\n By ATP Staff<\/p>\n
Alexander Zverev<\/a> reached new territory on a balmy Thursday afternoon at the BNP Paribas Open<\/a>, where he secured a place in his first semi-final in Indian Wells with a controlled 6-2, 6-3 victory over Arthur Fils<\/a>.<\/p>\n Twelve months ago, Zverev left the California desert disappointed after a frustrating second-round defeat to Tallon Griekspoor<\/a>. Upon return in 2026, however, the German has looked considerably improved and, by reaching the semi-finals, he has become just the fifth player to complete the set of last-four appearances at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events since the series began in 1990, joining former No. 1s Rafael Nadal<\/a>, Novak Djokovic<\/a>, Roger Federer<\/a> and Andy Murray<\/a>.<\/p>\n California Dreamin\u2019 \ud83c\udf34@AlexZverev<\/a> is two wins away from his first Indian Wells title after a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Fils!@BNPPARIBASOPEN<\/a> | #TennisParadise<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Chlaekx6MD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ATP Tour (@atptour) March 12, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cIt was definitely a very good match,\u201d said Zverev, who improved to 5-2 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Fils. \u201cArthur is somebody who \u2014 when he\u2019s healthy \u2014 is one of the best players in the world. He was on the way to the Top 10 last year, but an injury stopped him. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s going to be back at that level very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n After dispatching Fils in 82 minutes, Zverev now awaits World No. 2 Jannik Sinner<\/a> or reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Learner Tien<\/a>. With a maiden Indian Wells title this week, Zverev \u2014 the seven-time Masters 1000 champion \u2014 would overtake Djokovic and reclaim the No. 3 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.<\/p>\n Fils has been steadily rediscovering his best level after returning last month from a back injury that sidelined him for eight months. The 21-year-old Frenchman reached the ATP 500 final in Doha, where he lost to top seed Carlos Alcaraz<\/a>, before delivering a standout performance to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime<\/a> in the fourth round at Indian Wells.<\/p>\n Zverev, however, absorbed the Frenchman\u2019s power and redirected it with precision, frequently mixing in drop shots to disrupt the rhythm of rallies, a tactic that proved especially effective in the conditions. Zverev also saved all three break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and hit seven aces.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n