Sinner Starts on Fire at Indian Wells

Blink and you missed it. 

Jannik Sinner returned to the California desert for the first time since 2024 and immediately inserted himself as a threat to win it all as he blasted past Dalibor Svrcina of Czechia 6-1, 6-1 in 64 minutes on Friday night in Stadium 1. 

Sinner, who will face Denis Shapovalov in the third round, was in full command of his shots – and his opponent, a 23-year-old qualifier ranked 109 – from the start as he marched to his 12th career Indian Wells win against just three losses. 

The two-time Indian Wells semifinalist, who is seeking his first title of the year, was pleased with his performance. 

“I felt like I was starting off very well, which gave me the confidence to continue,” Sinner said. “We never faced each other, we never played each other, so I had to understand a little bit how his game was.

“He’s a very solid player, great mover, so I tried to move him around. I felt like I was serving well in important moments still, and I think that was something very positive.” 

The match had many great moments. To his credit, Svrcina competed well and entertained with his tennis. He just wasn’t in the same league as Sinner on this night.

Sinner, who hasn’t lost to anybody but Carlos Alcaraz at this event since 2021, is looking ready to challenge his rival for the title. 

He arrived in the California desert a few days before the tournament started, and has been working hard to gain comfort in the conditions. 

“I feel mentally I’m in a good place,” said Sinner, who was competing for the first time since his loss to Doha in February, to Jakub Mensik. “I’m calm, I’m relaxed. But I’m also very happy to compete. We did a lot of work. Many, many hours on court. Many hours in the gym.”