Indian Wells: Jannik Sinner Sinks Denis Shapalov, Zverev Survives Nakashima Scare

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 11:08 IST

Sinner made light work of Shapovalov in his 6-3, 6-2 straight sets victory while Alexander Zverev narrowly edged out Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4.

World number two Jannik Sinner advanced towards his first Indian Wells ATP Masters title, defeating Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2 to reach the fourth round on Sunday.

After losing just two games in his second-round opener against Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina, Sinner was briefly challenged when he dropped his serve in the opening game. However, he swiftly recovered against the formidable Shapovalov, who is known for his ability to produce winners, and secured a break in the eighth game.

“It’s a very tough second match for me," Sinner said. “He’s a very high-quality player … he had great wins in the past so I’m very happy about today’s performance."

With the first set secured, Sinner dominated the second set, breaking early to lead 5-2 and clinching the match with a love game.

“I tried to stay solid on the baseline but also be more aggressive in the second set," Sinner said. “It was a tough start for me with a break down but I’m happy with how I reacted."

Sinner will next face either American Tommy Paul or 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca for a place in the quarter-finals. Fonseca saved two match points in his second-round victory over 16th-seeded Karen Khachanov, and his late-night Stadium Court clash with 23rd-seeded Paul promised excitement.

In earlier matches, fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev narrowly edged out Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4. Zverev did not have a break point against the 30th-ranked American until the third set. He missed his first two opportunities before finally converting one, breaking Nakashima in the final game to secure the win.

“He played a fantastic match today," Zverev said of Nakashima, who served 17 aces to Zverev’s 15. “He served like I have never seen before. He was hitting his spots well. Every ace was more or less on the line for him, so I’ve got to give credit to him. He played a great match."

Zverev gained the upper hand with a dominant first-set tiebreaker, but Nakashima levelled the match by converting his fifth break chance in the second set and winning with a love game.

“Definitely happy to get the win because that was a difficult match," Zverev said after improving to 6-0 against Nakashima. Zverev will next face either 15th-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli or American Frances Tiafoe.

Rising US talent Learner Tien defeated eighth-seeded compatriot Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3. Tien served 15 aces against Shelton, who appeared to be affected by an illness that had troubled him in his second-round win over Reilly Opelka, managing just eight aces.

“It’s great," Tien said about his upcoming last-16 match against 18th-seeded Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who defeated 12th seed Jakub Mensik 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. However, Tien acknowledged that Shelton was not at his best. “I don’t think he’s been feeling great all week, but he’s an amazing competitor and he came out and gave it his all," Tien said. “So I just want to say, huge props to him."

News sports tennis Indian Wells: Jannik Sinner Sinks Denis Shapalov, Zverev Survives Nakashima Scare

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