Jannik Sinner is delighted to see Daniil Medvedev back to his best after defeating the Russian in a keenly contested Indian Wells Open final.

Sunday's showpiece saw Sinner claim his first title at the prestigious Masters 1000 tournament, edging out Medvedev 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-4).

Medvedev won the first four points of the second-set tie-break but ultimately could not force a decider, with the final battle coming one day after he had stunned world number one Carlos Alcaraz with a straight-sets win in the last four.

His run to the final in Indian Wells, which also included a victory over defending champion Jack Draper, saw Medvedev follow up his tournament successes at the Brisbane International and Dubai Tennis Championships.

Those strong results this year come after Medvedev endured a difficult 2025, winning only one title on the ATP Tour and suffering early exits at all four grand slams.

After getting over the line, Sinner explained he is thrilled to see Medvedev competing at the highest level again and believes he is good for the sport.

"I do believe that tennis needs him," said Sinner.

"He has a very unique style of playing, and seeing him back at this level, it is great. He is improving a lot.

"Very aggressive player at the end [of the match]. He has two different game styles when he serves and when he returns. So you have to face that.

"It is great for the sport having him again playing at this level. I feel like he is playing great, great tennis.

"He was very confident, already winning a couple of titles this year, coming here and then performing very, very well. He was serving very well, and I struggled to return, especially on the second serve. It was a very, very tough match."

A FIRST INDIAN WELLS TITLE

Sinner defeats Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) to claim victory #IndianWells | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/5NGqBwVzZR

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 15, 2026

Medvedev was also keen to take the positives after returning to the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time since last July.

"A great tournament, I had a great level, even including [the final]," Medvedev said.

"Of course, a bit disappointed about a couple of moments where I could have played better, but Jannik is a tremendous player, so tough to play against.

"In general, I'm happy for the week and looking forward to more tennis like this.

"I played good enough to beat all the other guys first, and then even good enough to beat Carlos and then to face Jannik. That is going to be my goal, not focus on them too much exactly, but focus on improving myself, improving my game, trying to beat all the other guys.

"Then, whenever you have Carlos and Jannik in the tournament, there is a big chance you're going to meet one of them in the semis, and if you play unbelievable, then one of them in the final.

"So that's a goal, and that's what I'm going to try to continue doing.

"To beat Carlos almost feels like [winning] the tournament, especially for me. I lost a lot against him. That is not the reality as there is a final to play, and I had an opportunity [to win], so it is like a bittersweet feeling. But it feels good to do what I did this week."

Sinner and Medvedev will now turn their attention to the Miami Open, which starts on March 18.