Indian Wells: Alexander Zverev joins ‘Big Four’ by completing Masters 1000 semi-final set

Alexander Zverev says it feels “very special” to become only the fifth player to reach the semi-finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and join the elite squad after booking his place in the semi-finals in Indian Wells.

The German player achieved a confident victory, 6-2, 6-3, over Frenchman Arthur Fels, to reach the semi-finals in the tournament, which is being held in California for the first time.

By completing his set of semi-final matches at the Masters 1000, Zverev joins a club that includes only tennis’ “Big Four” – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

“It’s very special to be one of five players in history to ever achieve this,” Zverev said.

“Definitely, yeah, it’s something I’m very proud of.”

Zverev has captured the title in five of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments, but has never won a Grand Slam title despite reaching three major finals.

The fourth seed will have to break a streak of five consecutive defeats against world number two Jannik Sinner if he wants to move one step closer to the Indian Wells title.

Sinner, the defending Wimbledon champion, secured his place in the semi-finals later on Thursday with a quick 66-minute 6-1, 6-2 win over American Lerner Tian.

The world number two, who has never won in Indian Wells, is seeking his first title in 2026 after a semi-final exit at the Australian Open and defeat in the quarter-finals at the Qatar Open last month.